The energy at Little Caesars Arena has changed. It's not just the record, though being near the top of the East feels like a fever dream for anyone who sat through that 28-game losing streak a couple of seasons back. It's the stability.
Tonight, the Detroit Pistons face the Indiana Pacers, and for once, the drama isn't about whether they can win, but how the rotation holds up as the roster finally gets healthy.
We've spent months watching this team patch things together with "next man up" energy. Honestly, seeing Cade Cunningham listed as probable after that wrist scare is the best news fans could've asked for. He’s the engine. Without him, the offense kinda just grinds to a halt, or at least becomes way too reliant on Duncan Robinson’s gravity.
The expected Detroit Pistons starting lineup tonight
If you’re looking for the five guys taking the floor at tip-off, J.B. Bickerstaff seems to have found his "comfort zone" lineup. Barring a last-minute setback during warmups, here is how the Pistons should look:
- Point Guard: Cade Cunningham
- Shooting Guard: Duncan Robinson
- Small Forward: Ausar Thompson
- Power Forward: Tobias Harris
- Center: Jalen Duren
Cade is the lock. He's averaging over 26 points and nearly 10 assists, basically playing like the All-Star everyone in Michigan knew he was. But the real story is the spacing. Having Duncan Robinson in the starting unit has changed everything for Cade. It’s simple: you can’t double-team the lead guard when one of the best movement shooters in the league is ghosting to the corner.
Then you've got the "Swiss Army Knife" in Ausar Thompson. He’s probable tonight despite a heel contusion, and they need him. His stats don’t always scream "star," but if you watch the games, you see the deflections, the offensive boards, and the way he smothers the opponent’s best scorer. It’s gritty.
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Why the Tobias Harris return matters
People groaned when Detroit brought Tobias Harris back on that massive deal. "Overpaid," they said. "Past his prime," they shouted.
Well, look at the standings.
Harris provides the "adult in the room" presence this young core lacked for years. He’s been dealing with a hip sprain that kept him out since late December, but he’s expected to be back in the flow tonight. His return likely pushes Isaiah Stewart back to the bench, which—believe it or not—actually makes the Pistons much more dangerous.
Stewart is a high-motor guy. Having "Beef Stew" come off the bench to bully second units is a luxury. When he starts, the spacing gets a little wonky. When he’s the backup five or a situational four? That’s where he thrives.
The Jaden Ivey dilemma
Where does Jaden Ivey fit? This is the question that keeps Pistons Twitter up at night.
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Ivey has been the subject of trade rumors lately, mostly because his fit next to Cade is still... complicated. He’s been coming off the bench recently, acting as a high-octane spark plug. Against a fast-paced team like the Pacers, Ivey’s speed is a weapon. He can turn a defensive rebound into a layup in about 3.2 seconds.
But Bickerstaff seems to prefer Robinson’s shooting in the starting five to keep the lanes open for Cade and Duren's rim runs. It’s a trade-off. You lose Ivey’s elite athleticism at the start, but you gain a more coherent half-court offense.
Key injuries and game-time decisions
Injuries are always the wildcard. As of this afternoon, the report looks relatively clean compared to the disaster it was a week ago:
- Cade Cunningham (Wrist): Probable. He played through it against Phoenix and looked a little rusty (2-for-9 shooting), but he’s the floor general. Expect him to play.
- Ausar Thompson (Heel): Probable. The heel contusion is annoying, but he's expected to go.
- Paul Reed (Personal): Questionable. He’s been away from the team, and even if he returns, he might not see many minutes with Duren and Stewart healthy.
- Bobi Klintman (Adductor): Out. The rookie is still working his way back.
The Pacers aren't exactly at full strength either, which makes this matchup even more interesting. Detroit’s size advantage with Jalen Duren—who is averaging a double-double—could be the deciding factor. Duren is a monster on the glass. If Indiana can't keep him off the boards, it’s going to be a long night for them.
Actionable insights for tonight’s game
If you’re betting or just watching closely, keep an eye on the first six minutes.
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Watch how the Pacers defend the Cade-Duren pick-and-roll. If they drop, Cade will eat them alive with that mid-range jumper. If they blitz, look for Duncan Robinson to get loose for at least three or four attempts from deep in the first quarter alone.
Also, keep an eye on Ron Holland II. The sophomore has been playing some inspired basketball lately, reaching double digits in three straight games. He’s becoming the energy guy the second unit desperately needs.
The Pistons are currently 27-9 and sitting pretty in the Eastern Conference. A win tonight against a division rival like Indiana isn't just "another game"—it's a statement that this version of the Detroit Pistons is for real.
Go get to the arena early if you're heading down to LCA. The crowd has been electric lately, and with the starters finally back together, it's going to be loud.
Check the official team Twitter feed about 30 minutes before tip-off for the final confirmed sheet. Lineups can shift if a player feels tightness during warmups, but this is the blueprint for tonight.