On Sunday, the Detroit Pistons’ best season in two decades came to a disappointing end in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite suffering a second straight series loss and taking a 3–2 lead in their best-of-seven against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit suffered a devastating loss at home in Game 7.

As disappointing as the end of their 60-win season was, the Pistons have a good young core and will be a force in the East for years to come. However, if they want to be taken seriously as title contenders next season, they will need to make some bold moves to improve the roster this summer.

If they can re-sign restricted free agent All-Star Jalen Duren to a new deal that isn’t close to max money, they will have to aim for more offensive punch on defense with the addition of top star Cade Cunningham.

Whether it’s a superstar, All-Star, or impactful role player, here are 10 players the Pistons should target this offseason.

CJ McCallum

The Atlanta Hawks found out how valuable graybird CJ McCollum can be after trading for him during the season. He emerged as a team leader and strong secondary scorer. During the playoffs, he became the leading scorer when Jalen Johnson buckled under postseason pressure.

The Pistons don’t need him to be a top scorer, but the 34-year-old could be perfect as another option behind Cunningham, and he should come at a reasonable rate in free agency.

afernee simmons

The Pistons need more offensive punch off their bench or next to Cunningham in the backcourt. Another interesting option would be Portland Trail Blazers veteran Anfernee Simmons. Although he bounced back a bit last season, the 26-year-old is a player who has averaged more than 20 points a game twice during his career and is a legitimate three-point threat.

Since his value is lower than it was a few years ago, Detroit may be able to get him for a much cheaper rate in free agency.

giannis antetokounmpo

There is no doubt that the Pistons will be linked to the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade chase this offseason. If healthy, the combination of Cunningham and the two-time NBA MVP could be a major problem for every other team in the East. And Detroit could certainly make a good business proposition.

However, the bigger question is, will Trajan Langdon mortgage his future to make such a bold move on an aging player who has developed real injury concerns?

norman powell

Eleven-year NBA veteran Norman Powell has quietly emerged as one of the better scoring forwards in the game after two seasons averaging over 21 points a game. The first-time All-Star is a free agent and will certainly get a nice raise this summer.

Powell would be a notable upgrade over Tobias Harris and would give Detroit a No. 2 scoring option that opponents should respect without giving up draft assets in a trade.

Michael Porter Jr.

Michael Porter Jr.’s seventh season in the league was a career-best year. As the No. 1 option for the Brooklyn Nets, he posted 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals a night. Staying healthy has always been the forward’s biggest issue, but he’s still only 27 years old and on an expiring contract.

Although he won’t come cheap and may be a rental, the trio of Cunningham, Duran and Porter could be finals contenders next season.

kobi white

If Langdon looks to build a deep roster around Cunningham and Duren, another free agent to keep an eye on is Chicago Bulls veteran Coby White. He is an impact scorer off the bench or in the starting lineup after averaging 15.4 ppg over his seven-year career. He’s only 26 years old, he should arrive at a reasonable rate, and he’ll be a very good veteran player this offseason.

Trey Murphy III

When casual fans think of the New Orleans Pelicans, they assume Zion Williamson is their top star. However, due to his injury problems, Trey Murphy III has emerged as the No. 1 scoring option in NOLA. But that hasn’t been good enough to bring them out of the bottom of the standings, which is why the Pelicans may consider a trade this summer as they continue their rebuild.

While it could cost him at least two first-round picks in a trade, if Langdon wants to move forward with a combination of Cunningham and Duren, the 25-year-old Murphy III could be a third of the title contenders in the next few years.

ja morant

If the Detroit Pistons are willing to be risky, two-time All-Star Ja Morant could be acquired without giving up any meaningful draft picks. That’s how much his value has diminished due to his trouble staying healthy over the last few years and being off the court during that time.

However, if any player could benefit from a change in landscape and get back to his typical ways, it would be Morant. If Detroit can keep the 26-year-old healthy and focused, Morant could help form the best backcourt in the NBA with Cunningham.

peyton watson

Denver Nuggets veteran Peyton Watson is going to attract a lot of interest in free agency this summer. The 2025-26 season was a success for the 23-year-old, as he posted just 15 points and five boards a night while shooting 41% from three.

If Langdon is looking for a third building block that he can develop alongside Cunningham and Duren, Watson would be at the top of his free agent wish list.

Domantas Sabonis

The sleeper target for the Pistons this summer could be three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis. The Sacramento Kings were unable to find a trade for him before the trade deadline and are certain to acquire him again this summer. However he is owed a lot of money and due to a torn meniscus his price will probably be nowhere near what it was a few seasons ago.

The combo of Sabonis and Duren in the front court for a few seasons, as they dominate the boards, will be an approach that former rivals will have difficulty coping with.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The Detroit Red Wings are looking to make big moves during the 2026 NHL offseason that will get them back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. As of 2026, the Red Wings have the NHL’s longest playoff drought, so Detroit will have to make the playoffs next season. In fact, one NHL insider has labeled one of the NHL’s best free agents as a potential fit in Detroit.

The Athletic’s Max Bultmann named Seattle Kraken forward Bobby McMann as the free agent Detroit should sign this offseason. McMann, who was traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Kraken at the NHL trade deadline, scored 29 goals and 46 points in 78 games between the two organizations.

The 29-year-old forward would bring much-needed five-on-five attack to Detroit on a potentially big payday. However, who else did Bultmann suggest for the Red Wings?

Other potential NHL free agent targets for the Detroit Red Wings

While McMann was the top selection, Bultmann also suggested other players, including Buffalo Sabers forward Alex Tuch. The 30-year-old forward may be the top NHL free agent on the market, but will Buffalo really let him walk? Tuch has scored more than 30 goals in three of the last four seasons.

Meanwhile, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mason Marchment was another option. Marchement doesn’t provide as much offense as Tuch or McMann, but he could be a cheaper option. However, if Detroit wants to add one of the top free agents, it will have to make a big move or go home.

This leads us to Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin. The Pittsburgh legend is nearing the end of his career, but he has become a Red Wings fan. Malkin can still score around 20 goals per season, and there’s a possibility he’ll get a hometown discount for his favorite team as he grows up.

At the end of the day, McMann, along with Tuch, appears to be one of the top options for Detroit. The latter will be a larger pickup; However, there are doubts that it will reach the market. In this case, McMann appears to be one of the top options left.

Either way, the Red Wings need to take a big step forward this offseason to make the 2027 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

READ MORE: Brady Tkachuk added to Florida Panthers? what will it actually take

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

A new rumor suggests that the Detroit Pistons are planning on making a move this summer that could ruin their roster for years.

On Friday night, the Pistons will be in Cleveland to avoid elimination for the fourth time in these playoffs and send their series with the Cavaliers to a Game 7. To be in this position again after earning the No. 1 seed in the East and barely avoiding the Orlando Magic in Round 1 is an amazing situation.

Still, that’s not the only surprising thing about this postseason for Detroit. Jalen Duren’s shocking disappearance in the first two series has confounded NBA analysts. After a breakout season that earned him first-ever All-Star honors and possibly an All-NBA berth, the center has been one of the players fans have looked to throughout the regular season.

His playoff numbers this year are worse than last year, when he got his first taste of NBA playoff basketball against the New York Knicks. Duren’s tremendous play has made it a difficult decision for the Pistons this summer when the 2022 first-round pick is a restricted free agent.

Will the Detroit Pistons be forced to give Jalen Duren a max deal?

Should they give him the maximum contract he will be eligible for? Most reports suggest this is not an option for Detroit. Still, according to a new report from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, it’s something they’ll likely have to do this summer.

An East executive told Windhorst, “He’s not a Max player, but they probably have to give him a Max.” “because now [cap space] Teams like Chicago or Brooklyn may see him as a guy they can get with a max offer sheet, and Detroit would have to match that.

Letting Duren leave in free agency could be a huge blow to a team that made so much progress last season. In 2024–25, he had one of the best turnarounds in NBA history and gave New York a run in the playoffs. Duren helped in this. Then in 2025-26, the big man played a huge role in helping them earn the top seed in the East and the third-best record in the NBA (60-22).

Max deal risk for Jalen Duren

Losing Duren could mean a significant step back in success. A case can be made that a max deal is worth the risk as he is still only 22, and his development may not be complete. But if he peaks and continues to be a liability in the playoffs, that contract could set the Pistons back years.

“One of the biggest mistakes you can make in the NBA right now is giving a max deal to a non-max player,” a West executive told Windhorst. “In the old system, you could bet on high-level talent. Now losing one big bet can derail your entire roster.”

In today’s salary cap system, if you’re going to have two players with max deals, you have to make sure they are the core of your roster, as this severely limits further roster movement and keeps you around or above the NBA’s tax apron.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild were eliminated from the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs by the Colorado Avalanche. It was a disappointing end to a season that had high expectations after Hughes was traded to Minnesota. However, could this partnership prove to be one-and-done?

This seems like a possibility, so what exactly would Hughes have to do to land in Detroit? Here’s what needs to happen for the Detroit Red Wings.

Quinn Hughes to decline extension with Minnesota Wild

If Detroit wants any chance of landing Hughes during the 2026 NHL offseason, it starts with the defenseman’s intentions. After being traded to Minnesota, Hughes was not able to sign a contract extension as he is not eligible until July 1, 2026. However, what if the Wild are not able to complete a contract extension?

In a scenario where Hughes declines to sign with Minnesota, the organization would be encouraged to move him this offseason or at the 2027 NHL trade deadline. The Wild gave up a lot of asset to acquire the 26-year-old defenseman, so losing him in 2027 NHL free agency would be detrimental.

Therefore, it makes the most sense to trade Hughes during the offseason to get more value. More likely is Hughes to sign a contract extension with Minnesota, and an NHL insider recently predicted it would be a three-year deal. If not, it will allow Detroit to correct the mistake during the 2026-27 NHL season.

After all, NHL stars are hard to come by, and Detroit had the opportunity to acquire Hughes in December 2025.

Detroit Red Wings must complete an extension with Hughes

The Red Wings had the opportunity to trade for Hughes during the 2026–27 NHL season. The star defenseman is from Michigan and Detroit is one of his favorite places. However, the organization reportedly declined to acquire Hughes without a contract extension.

Allowing Hughes to go to Minnesota was a mistake when Detroit was more likely to be able to complete an extension this summer. If the Wild trade Hughes declines to sign a contract extension, the atmosphere surrounding a potential deal should be similar. The Red Wings would have to complete an extension with Hughes.

In December, the 26-year-old defenseman was not allowed to sign a contract extension, as he could not complete it until July. Now, Hughes will likely have to assure another team that he will re-sign to give up property. After all, a year of Hughes wouldn’t be worth “leaving the farm.”

Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman reportedly wanted a verbal extension in December, but this time will be different. If Hughes declines to sign a contract with Minnesota, it means he has his sights set on a specific organization. It could be Detroit or the New Jersey Devils, but Yzerman needs a commitment.

Hughes will likely sign an extension this summer, but if he doesn’t, the Red Wings should be in the mix once again.

READ MORE: Auston Matthews moved to Detroit Red Wings? what will it actually take

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

Auston Matthews and his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs could be the biggest story of the 2026 NHL offseason. After an extremely disappointing season, Matthews wants to see what the Maple Leafs can accomplish during the offseason before committing to another year. Therefore, there is a possibility that the Toronto superstar will request a trade this summer.

While it’s highly unlikely in reality, what exactly would Matthews have to do to land in Detroit? Here’s what needs to happen for the Detroit Red Wings.

Auston Matthews should request a trade with Detroit as destination

The chances of Matthews ending up in Detroit seem unlikely; However, there is one scenario where this could become reality. In a world where Matthews requests a trade from Toronto, he would have to be ready to play with the Red Wings. This is the first step for Detroit to acquire Matthews.

The 28-year-old center has a full no-movement clause in his contract, meaning he would have to approve any trade from Toronto. There have been several instances, including at the 2026 NHL trade deadline, where players refused to be traded. Most notably, this occurs when a player does not want to play in a specific city.

Matthews will likely have several places in mind when requesting a trade and it all depends on whether Detroit is on his list. If the Red Wings are not an organization Matthews wants to play for, that would eliminate any chances of the Maple Leafs acquiring the superstar.

It will be interesting to see if Matthews requests a trade from Toronto. The Maple Leafs recently won the 2026 NHL Draft lottery, earning the first pick in the draft in June. For now, that’s not enough for Matthews to commit to Toronto for the 2026-27 NHL season.

However, what if the Red Wings are on Matthews’ list? Removing him would require Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman to take an unprecedented step.

Detroit Red Wings to trade Farm for Auston Matthews

In a scenario where Matthews requests a trade and is willing to play in Detroit, the Red Wings would have to trade Farm. That doesn’t mean the Red Wings have to trade every draft pick and prospect in their system. However, the organization may not be worried about Matthews not signing an extension.

In December 2025, Detroit was one of the teams in the mix for defenseman Quinn Hughes. Although the acquisition of Hughes would have been surprising for Detroit, the team reportedly did not want to pursue a deal without an extension. Therefore, the Red Wings no longer had a de facto player for the Minnesota Wild defenseman.

As for Matthews, Yzerman would have to send his prized possession to Toronto. It’s very difficult to acquire superstars in the NHL, and Matthews would change the direction of the team in a big way. If the Red Wings have full confidence in Matthews, they should not delay in signing him to the organization.

The Red Wings have not made many major changes during Yzerman’s tenure as general manager, with the most notable contribution being Alex DeBrincat. However, it appears that Detroit is eyeing a big move during the 2026 NHL offseason that will put them in playoff contention.

Matthews could become the biggest prize of the 2026 NHL offseason, and if everything aligns perfectly, the Red Wings will have to pounce on the opportunity.

READ MORE: Detroit Red Wings expected to make blockbuster trade in 2026 NHL offseason

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

The Detroit Tigers are struggling as the summer approaches. Through 42 games, the Tigers are in last place in the AL Central with a 19–23 record. The 2026 MLB season was expected to be a good one for Detroit; However, injuries have taken a significant toll on the organization.

Now, the Tigers may be on the verge of selling some of their key pieces before the 2026 MLB trade deadline.

Detroit Tigers labeled as potential seller at 2026 MLB trade deadline

USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale listed the Tigers as a team to watch as sellers at the 2026 MLB trade deadline. As of now, Detroit is just 1.5 games out of the final wild card spot and three games behind the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central.

The Tigers have plenty of time to turn their season around, but it’s notable that they are being labeled as potential sellers. In fact, it focuses on starting pitcher Tarik Skubal, who is expected to miss one to two months after undergoing elbow surgery to remove a loose body.

Skuable is set to enter MLB free agency after the 2026 season. If Detroit does indeed become a seller and fall out of contention, it would make sense to trade the back-to-back Cy Young Award winner to maximize his value. If not, the Tigers will waste Skubal’s last season in Detroit and lose him for a draft pick.

There are other players like Jack Flaherty and Gleyber Torres who will also become free agents. It’s the start of the 2026 MLB season, but the Tigers need to change the direction of their campaign. The goal should be to transform yourself into a buyer, not a seller.

How the Detroit Tigers can become a buyer during the 2026 season

Detroit is still firmly in contention, but the 2026 MLB season may be over. The Tigers have struggled with a plethora of injuries, especially to their pitching staff. Of the original five starting pitchers, only Flaherty and Framber Valdez remain in the rotation to start the season.

Meanwhile, Javier Baez and Kerry Carpenter are not in the lineup due to injuries. This also doesn’t include Parker Meadows, who is recovering from a broken hand. Needless to say, it’s clear what Detroit needs to do moving forward. If the Tigers want to be a buyer, he’ll have to get healthy soon.

There are very few, if any, teams in MLB that can avoid so many injuries. The Tigers had great starting pitching depth to start the 2026 MLB season, but it quickly disappeared. Detroit desperately needs its players back and healthy for the remainder of the regular season.

If not, the Tigers would continue to fall in the American League standings. At the moment, the loss is not bad. Detroit has missed two games in the 2026 MLB postseason. However, the Tigers know they cannot afford to suffer so many injuries, and things must improve to keep their postseason dreams alive.

READ MORE: MLB Rumors – New Tarik Skubal contract projection revealed after injury

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

A new report suggests the Detroit Pistons are actually hoping big man Jalen Duren won’t earn All-NBA honors this season.

On Tuesday night, the Pistons begin their semifinal series against division rivals the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s the latest step in the franchise’s most productive season since going to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2008.

Without a doubt, top star Cade Cunningham has played a vital role in the Pistons’ success this season. But second on the list of credits is center Jalen Duren. The 2022 first-round pick had a breakout season in 2025-26. Leading the team in rebounds (10.5) and second in points (19.5). His emergence as an All-Star is why they are the No. 1 seed in the conference.

Plus, his big season comes at the perfect time for him. He is in the final year of his contract and is set to become a restricted free agent this summer. The expectation for several months has been that the Pistons will match whatever offer they receive. However, the franchise has always been on the conservative side when it comes to spending. And when it comes to Duran there’s one place they’re not willing to go.

Detroit Pistons won’t pay Jalen Duren supermax

In a new report from ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, the pair of NBA insiders revealed, “If Duran is selected to the All-NBA team, he would become Supermax-eligible, which is an area the Pistons cannot venture into.” Cunningham is already playing on a supermax deal that will pay him an average of $55 million per year.

That doesn’t mean the Pistons aren’t willing to pay that type of money to two players. It’s probably more that they don’t want to pay Duran that kind of money, and they shouldn’t after a subpar performance in the opening round series against the Orlando Magic.

So what might be a good middle ground for both sides? A Western executive told Bontemps and Windhorst that a deal in the mid-$30 million per year is what Duren could get after a career year this season.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Connor McDavid is coming off a disappointing loss to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. People are talking about the possibility of McDavid leaving Edmonton after the loss to the Anaheim Ducks. So, would Detroit make sense as a potential landing spot for the Red Wings superstar center?

While it’s highly unlikely in reality, what exactly would McDavid have to do to land in Detroit? This is what needs to happen for the Red Wings.

The Detroit Red Wings need to have a very strong 2026-27 NHL season

It is highly unlikely that McDavid will request a trade from Edmonton before even playing a season on his new two-year contract extension. Therefore, a trade during the 2027 NHL offseason will likely become more likely. The 29-year-old star will have one year left on his contract and Edmonton will have to make a difficult decision if re-signing seems like a long shot.

In this scenario, Detroit would have to perform at a high level during the 2026–27 NHL season. As of right now, it’s a long shot that McDavid will want to play with the Red Wings. The organization has the longest playoff drought in the NHL, and McDavid looks to compete for the Stanley Cup in 2024 and 2025 after falling short.

The Edmonton center is unhappy with being eliminated in the first round, so Detroit would not be a viable destination. Therefore, the Red Wings need to put themselves back in a position where superstar players will want to join the team. Right now, Detroit doesn’t have the same appeal as other organizations.

This is the first step in a mission to do business for McDavid. Even if the Red Wings can make a Buffalo Sabres-style jump during the 2026-27 NHL season, McDavid will have to work his way out of becoming a Red Wing.

Connor McDavid must request trade with Detroit as destination

The most important move for the Red Wings is McDavid requesting a trade from the Oilers. It would be almost impossible for Edmonton to trade McDavid without demands or the realization that he won’t be around for long. If McDavid requests a trade or expresses a desire to leave, the Red Wings should be one of the preferred destinations.

It has to do with Detroit becoming an attractive landing spot. All of this becomes irrelevant if the Red Wings miss the 2027 Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, if Detroit can massively improve and become a contender, all of this will change. At that point, McDavid may have more desire to play in Detroit.

Even in this scenario, Detroit wouldn’t be the only team that wants McDavid on their roster. Other organizations will be pushing to acquire the 29-year-old superstar, leading to a bidding war for his services. After all, the same bidding war happened when the Minnesota Wild acquired Quinn Hughes.

The Red Wings did not want to pull the trigger without a long-term contract extension, and they failed to land Hughes. In a scenario where Detroit improves into a Stanley Cup contender, and McDavid requests a trade, the organization would likely need a similar commitment.

Connor McDavid is unlikely to join the Red Wings during his NHL career. However, if all of these scenarios occur, it gives Detroit a chance to land one of the NHL’s biggest superstars.

READ MORE: Detroit Red Wings expected to make blockbuster trade in 2026 NHL offseason

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

The Detroit Red Wings need to make a big splash during the 2026 NHL offseason. Following the 2025–26 NHL season, Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman stated that the organization needed better players to make the Stanley Cup playoffs. Now, a prominent NHL insider is throwing more gas on the fire for Detroit.

If the Red Wings don’t make a big trade or move this summer, people will be “surprised,” as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. This has been one of the most talked about aspects of Detroit’s offseason and all signs point towards a trade or signing for an elite offensive forward.

Who could the Detroit Red Wings trade for during the 2026 offseason?

The Red Wings are expected to make a major trade during the 2026 NHL offseason and top six forwards should be the first priority. Yzerman said there were issues with five-on-five play and goal scoring during the 2025–26 NHL season, so a physical, high-profile offensive player would be the best fit. There are some names which are different from the rest.

If Detroit is looking to land a big move, they should try to acquire Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk or Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews. These may be hypotheticals, but if any of these guys are actually involved in trade rumors this summer, the organization should run. If not, Detroit has other options it can consider in the trade market.

Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson would be a perfect fit. Robertson is an incredible offensive player, currently having 49 goals between the regular season and playoffs. The situation in Dallas is tough and the star forward is due to get a new contract after the season.

The Stars will have Robertson’s rights as a restricted free agent, so it would be wise to extract value if the organization doesn’t have room for him long-term. The Red Wings have the space and assets to do that and Robertson would be a great addition.

If not, there are other players still on the market, like Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas. While neither of them are at the same height as Tkachuk, Matthews or Robertson, they would provide a much-needed boost to Detroit’s offense.

The NHL would be surprised if the Red Wings fail to make a blockbuster move, so that should give them a reason to feel that way.

READ MORE: Detroit Red Wings rumors – Olympic goaltender linked in trade talks

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

The players the Detroit Lions are targeting in a rumored trade in Round 1 of the NFL Draft have been revealed in a new report.

Heading into this week’s draft, there are an unusual amount of trade rumors flying around this year’s event. Since this year’s quarterback class is weak, there are several teams in the top 10 that are willing to move down to obtain more draft assets for this year and 2027. This provides franchises with a chance to acquire better players than they originally expected in the teens and 20s.

According to ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Lions are “making trade calls” ahead of Round 1 tonight, and he added that “some teams are looking at Detroit as a trade-up threat.” However, it was unclear what the team that failed to make the playoffs in 2025 might be looking for that they couldn’t find when they were at pick 17.

Detroit Lions target offensive lineman in rumored Round 1 trade

Well, fellow NFL insider Jordan Schultz shed some light on the Lions’ targets on Thursday afternoon. “Looks like a lot of teams in their teens and 20s are trying to take small steps to secure the OL before the race begins. The Lions are one of those teams,” he wrote on X.

This year, there is no clear No. 1 offensive lineman in this year’s class. Therefore, some offensive line prospects who are going high in one NFL mock draft are going to be in others later on. Either way, the Lions are probably looking to move into the late top 10 or early teens.

At that range they’ll likely target Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, Utah’s Spencer Fano, Penn State’s Olivavega Ioane or Miami’s Francis Mauigoa.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The 2026 NFL Draft takes place tonight at 8 PM ET, and the Detroit Lions hold the 17th overall pick in the first round. After missing the postseason in 2025, succeeding with their first-round pick will be key to continued roster growth.

Still, the Lions can’t be satisfied with holding on and picking at 17th. They may have their eye on a top prospect who Detroit thinks won’t fall into their draft slot.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Lions are making “trade calls” for Thursday’s event. He further stated that “some teams are looking at Detroit as a trade-up threat.”

The Lions could take a look at one of several offensive tackles who are projected to be selected in the first round after Taylor Decker’s request for and his release is granted. Detroit plans to transition Penei Sewell from right to left tackle, but the Lions still need a replacement for their All-Pro on the right side.

Of course, Lions general manager Brad Holmes is known for some draft day surprises. Often Leos go into the night with a specific need, but emerge with a different playmate. Maybe they are planning the same thing again.

With a total of nine draft selections, the Lions have some extra ammo to play with. Still, they don’t even have a third-round pick this year, so dipping into their 2027 draft capital may be necessary for a big move.

RELATED: Final 2026 NFL mock draft: Projecting Round 1 with trades

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The Detroit Red Wings need to make a move during the 2026 NHL offseason. After a late-season collapse, the Red Wings fell from leading the Eastern Conference to falling out of playoff contention. However, could Detroit consider making a blockbuster trade during the 2026 NHL offseason?

It looks like the Red Wings could make a move using several of their young assets in a trade package this summer, as David Pagnotta reports on DFO Rundown. Pagnoto said it could be similar to when the Montreal Canadiens acquired defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders.

If so, where should Detroit target in a potential blockbuster trade?

What position should the Detroit Red Wings target in a trade?

The Red Wings had several weaknesses to close the 2025–26 NHL season. Detroit lacked scoring in five of five games and did not perform as expected in the bottom six. So, it’s pretty clear that the Red Wings need scoring. Whether it’s from a defenseman or a forward, Detroit needs to find one this summer.

Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman had the opportunity to acquire defenseman Quinn Hughes in December 2025, but decided not to do so without an extension. It came back to haunt Detroit. However, what if the Minnesota Wild knew Hughes would not be moving on? Although unlikely, it could open the door again.

More than likely, the Minnesota star will not be on the table this offseason. The Red Wings would love to have Hughes lead the offense and defense with Mo Cider, but that doesn’t seem realistic right now. Therefore, the focus should be on acquiring an elite forward who can lead the team offensively.

There are some options. Obviously, Auston Matthews would be a valuable asset if he demands a trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs. What happens to Brady Tkachuk if he does the same with the Ottawa Senators? Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson would also be an excellent addition.

These are top choices, so they may not be that realistic. However, Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas should also be on the trade block. Needless to say, Detroit has plenty of options on the table, even if it isn’t a true NHL superstar like Matthews or Tkachuk.

The Red Wings could be the top team to watch during the 2026 NHL offseason. If so, the roster could look quite different this summer.

READ MORE: Detroit Red Wings front office drama – Are big changes coming?

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work may also…More about Austin Konensky

The Detroit Red Wings’ season is over. On Wednesday night, Detroit was defeated by the Florida Panthers by a score of 8–1, finishing the season with 92 points. Despite a late-season collapse, the Red Wings finished the campaign with the most points since making the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs (93 points).

This was shaping up to be a special season for the Red Wings. On January 25, the organization awoke to the leadership of the Eastern Conference. It didn’t last long, as Detroit struggled to win down the stretch. It was a historic collapse that raises many questions heading into the 2026 NHL offseason.

However, there were some surprising developments for the Red Wings this year. Alex DeBrincat scored 40 goals for the third time in his career. In fact, Detroit had not seen a 40-goal scorer since Marian Hossa during the 2008–09 season. DeBrincat was sensational after a slow start.

Meanwhile, Mo Sider emerged as arguably the best defenseman in the NHL. Seider’s defensive rating was the highest of any NHL defenseman contending for the Norris Trophy. The 25-year-old was also spectacular offensively, becoming the first Detroit defenseman to reach 50 assists in a season since Nicklas Lidstrom in 2008–09.

Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin also earned an Olympic gold medal after the United States defeated Canada in the gold medal game. While Larkin and Detroit were not able to reach the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, several personal accomplishments were still achieved.

The Red Wings hope their star player gets even better during the 2026-27 NHL season. With some new additions, Detroit hopes to return to the Stanley Cup playoffs next season after a poor showing in 2026.

READ MORE: Detroit Red Wings front office drama – Are big changes coming?

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work may also…More about Austin Konensky

The Detroit Red Wings have some big decisions to make ahead of the 2026 NHL offseason. Despite scoring the most points (92) in a season since 2016, the Red Wings will not participate in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. This comes after a historic decline since January, and an NHL insider has the latest information on whether big changes are coming.

There are no expected changes in terms of what the Red Wings front office looks like at this time, as The Athletic’s Chris Johnston reported on the Chris Johnston Show. This also includes Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman, who has been in NHL rumors for the past few weeks.

Will the Detroit Red Wings make the right decision by keeping Steve Yzerman?

It’s fair to wonder if the Red Wings might be making the right decision by keeping Yzerman. On one hand, it was Detroit’s best season in 10 years since making the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Red Wings, on the other hand, suffered a massive collapse late in the season and were in jeopardy of the playoffs again.

The Red Wings roster and coaching staff were put together by Yzerman. Detroit head coach Todd McClellan was a great guy and the team is lucky to have him. Meanwhile, Mo Sider is arguably the best defenseman in the NHL while Alex DeBrincat has scored 40 goals. The franchise had not seen a 40-goal scorer since Marian Hossa during the 2008–09 season.

However, there are other flaws that should have been addressed. The Red Wings had very little production from their bottom six and the offense struggled to score in five-on-five play. The two were known prior to the NHL trade deadline, where Yzerman acquired defenseman Justin Faulk and forward David Perron.

Getting to this point has been a slow and heartbreaking process, but Detroit has fallen behind three seasons in a row. The Red Wings have the longest playoff drought in the NHL. Unfortunately, the franchise did not have good luck with its playoff position. This is the 13th-best record entering the regular season finale, when 16 teams advance to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Yzerman has improved the Red Wings over the years, but a late-season slump has ruined the story. As of right now, it doesn’t look like there are going to be any major changes for the front office in Detroit. It’s not a bad decision, but it does mean Yzerman needs to make positive changes this summer.

What should the Detroit Red Wings change outside the front office

The Red Wings need to find the best way to move forward. Detroit has a group of veterans as well as young prospects who haven’t produced as expected. Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is aging while Cedar and Lucas Raymond are coming into their own. Simply put, there are two directions for Detroit.

The organization needs to put their faith in young players and “throw them into the fire” or use their assets to acquire a specific player. Detroit is in desperate need of an elite offensive forward like Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk. It also needs another center to take the pressure off Larkin.

From the top six to the bottom six, there are changes that could optimize the offense. The lower six did not provide much in detail and depth of building had to be prioritized. This could come from NHL free agency or trusting young players to perform at the top level.

The defensive lines seem to be quite organized, with most of the focus being on offensive production. The best decision would be to acquire an elite first line forward. Also, the team should put more emphasis on the bottom six players along with other young players in hopes that they can start performing as expected.

The Red Wings may not have much in-house front office drama, but they will need to address the flaws on this roster. It’s time for a concentrated effort to get Detroit back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

READ MORE: Detroit Red Wings out of playoff race after collapse

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

The Detroit Tigers have made a surprise shutout of a rising star in MLB. The Tigers and infielder Kevin McGonigal have finalized an eight-year, $150 million contract extension, the team announced. McGonigle, who made his MLB debut in March, could make up to $160 million with a contract escalator for the final three seasons.

The 21-year-old infielder’s contract covers the 2027 to 2034 MLB seasons. This covers McGonigal’s five seasons of club control and his first three years of free agency. The new contract essentially guarantees McGonigle an additional season of service. This will take him until his 30th birthday.

The lifespan of a baseball player usually ranges from 26 to 29 years.

Details of Kevin McGonigal’s contract with the Detroit Tigers

To start the 2026 MLB season, McGonagle is batting .311 with one home run and eight runs batted in in 17 games. The 21-year-old also has a .908 on-base percentage with eight strikeouts and 11 walks. McGonigle was known for his elite plate discipline in the minor leagues, and this has translated to MLB.

This is a shocking development for Detroit. Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris shut down McGonigal before he began producing consistently at the elite level. Entering the 2026 MLB season, McGonagall was ranked as the No. 2 prospect in baseball, behind Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Connor Griffin.

McGonigal will make $1 million in 2027, $7 million in 2028, $16 million in 2029, $21 million in 2030, $22 million in 2031, and $23 million from 2032 to 2034. Escalators could increase his 2032 salary by $25 million, his 2033 salary by $26 million and his 2034 salary by $26 million. $28 million.

The Tigers knew McGonigal’s potential, and they stepped up. Now, Detroit has locked up McGonigle during his prime years in MLB.

READ MORE: Why Kevin McGonigle is the Detroit Tigers’ X-factor after historic MLB debut

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

The Detroit Red Wings took care of business on Thursday night. Dylan Larkin scored a hat-trick as the Red Wings easily defeated the Philadelphia Flyers by a score of 6-3. Detroit scored two crucial points; However, the organization did not receive much help outside the city.

The Ottawa Senators defeated the Florida Panthers, moving them three points above the Red Wings with three games remaining. Time is ticking for Detroit and it must hope for outside help. For now, an NHL team will have to focus on what it can control.

Detroit Red Wings must keep winning to stay in playoff contention

The plan moving forward is simple. The Red Wings will need to keep winning if they want to make the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. With three games left, the Red Wings need to lose two of their three remaining games to the Senators. Detroit must win at all costs, starting with the New Jersey Devils on Saturday evening.

Since Ottawa has the tiebreaker, it must have lost two games in regulation while Detroit has won all three games against the Devils, Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning. It’s a relatively easy schedule for the Red Wings, with the key matchup coming against the Lightning on Monday, April 13.

The issue is within the senators. In the next three matches, the team will play the Devils, New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs. That means Ottawa would have to lose to either New York and New Jersey or Toronto. This isn’t a great situation for Detroit, so his focus may be on the Boston Bruins.

Although unlikely, if the Bruins lose their last three games in regulation, the Red Wings could overtake them if they win. Boston plays Tampa Bay, New Jersey and the Columbus Blue Jackets. If the Bruins lose all three games but lose one game in overtime, Detroit can still overtake them if it wins two more games in regulation.

More than likely, the Senators will remain a target for the Red Wings. The Bruins are possible, but it would lead to a major collapse. Granted, Boston has lost its last four games, so there is something to be expected. However, it could all be over if the Red Wings don’t win.

If Detroit loses to New Jersey on Saturday while Ottawa beats New York, it could be out of playoff contention. In other words, every game moving forward is a must-win situation for the Red Wings. The team has a favorable schedule, so if it takes care of business against the Devils and Panthers, the Lightning will be a big challenge.

The Red Wings just have to keep winning. At this point, there is no margin for error.

Read More: Detroit Red Wings Fall 2026 – Why Big Changes Are Needed

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

The Detroit Red Wings are collapsing. After another strong start to the NHL season, Detroit is out of the Stanley Cup playoffs with five games remaining. The Red Wings are two points behind the Ottawa Senators and their Stanley Cup playoff hopes are fading fast.

As of Monday, April 6, Detroit has a record of 4–6–0 in the last 10 games, with only one win in the last five games. In a 4–1 loss against the Minnesota Wild on Easter Sunday, the Red Wings equalized in the third period. Then, Red Wings forward Patrick Kane committed an selfish penalty, leading to a Minnesota power play goal.

After the Senators defeated the Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit is now two points out of the wild card picture without a tiebreaker. Now, the Red Wings need to win at least four of their next five games to make the Stanley Cup playoffs

Detroit Red Wings playoff approach, five games left in 2026

There’s an important week of NHL games coming up in Detroit. The Red Wings will need to win at least four games to overtake the Senators. Since Ottawa has the tiebreaker, Detroit needs to earn three more points over the organization in the next five games.

The Red Wings play the Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers to conclude the regular season. Detroit needs to win games against non-playoff teams, New Jersey and Florida, while looking to win two of three against Columbus, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay.

The biggest issue for the Red Wings is the remaining schedule for the Senators. Ottawa plays New Jersey, Florida, Tampa, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Islanders. Currently four out of five teams are not in the playoffs. Granted, New York is also on the playoff bubble.

If the Senators win four of their next five games, they will advance to the playoffs, even if the Red Wings win all five games. This means Detroit does not need Ottawa to win more than three games if the team can consistently move up in the standings. However, this is only the senators’ angle.

The Red Wings will need to get past the Blue Jackets, possibly needing a win on Tuesday night. Detroit also needs to overcome the Islanders, who have a point in an additional matchup. However, Detroit has lost four of its last five games, and its record since the Olympic break is 8-9-3. The goaltending is sluggish while the offensive team is struggling to score in five-on-five play.

Time is running out, and if the Red Wings don’t turn the clock around on Tuesday night, their season will end in five games.

READ MORE: Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman will be on the hot seat if the team misses the NHL playoffs

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

The Detroit Tigers are back at Comerica Park and it was an amazing day of baseball. The Tigers won their home opener in 2026 by defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 4–0. It was an excellent pitching performance from starting pitcher Framber Valdez.

Detroit opened the scoring with a 433-foot two-run home run by starting catcher Dillon Dingler in the fourth inning. Through seven games, Dingler is the only Detroit hitter with a home run, marking his second of the 2026 MLB season. Then, Riley Green hit an RBI-single in the fifth inning, followed by another single by Javier Báez in the sixth inning.

After being defeated by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, the Tigers’ offense bounced back in their home opener at Comerica Park. There were other opportunities for runs, as Kevin McGonigle and Kerry Carpenter hit two balls deep into the outfield during the first inning.

Meanwhile, Valdez went scoreless six with three hits, two walks and five strikeouts. The 32-year-old starter became the first pitcher since Spencer Turnbull in 2019 to throw a quality start in a home opener. Valdez is the first pitcher since Jordan Zimmerman in 2016 to do so in both the home opener and his home debut for the Tigers.

There were other milestones, such as Green’s 500th career MLB hit, becoming the 20th player in franchise history to accomplish the feat before age 26. It was a much-needed change of pace for the Tigers after being defeated by the Diamondbacks.

In fact, the Tigers had the biggest crown for a home opener at Comerica Park since 2017. Fans were given a picture-perfect day en route to their first home win of 2026.

READ MORE: MLB Insider shares update on Tarik Skubal’s future with Detroit Tigers

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell revealed this week that one of his top players could have an expanded role next season.

After a two-point winless season, the Lions took a disappointing 2025. Went 9-8 and missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season. This will be an important offseason, and in an effort to get more out of his talented offense next season, Campbell has made some notable changes.

Offensive coordinator John Morton is out, being replaced by Drew Petzing. The Lions hired former New York Giants OC Mike Kafka as their new passing game coordinator, and added fan favorite lineman Dan Skipper as an offensive assistant. However, this may not be the only notable change to the offense in 2026.

“We didn’t look at Jahmir Gibbs as a runner. He was a weapon,” Campbell said in NFL meetings this week. [h/t Pro Football Talk]. “We felt like Gibbs, this guy is going to explode. Yes, he’s a runner. He can run all schemes; he can run inside, outside, perimeter, but he can also be lethal out of the backfield, and we’re not even there yet.

Jahmir Gibbs stats (2025): 243 rushes, 1,223 rushing yards, 77 catches, 616 receiving yards, 18 total TDs

He said, “We think this guy can play some receiver roles. He’s dynamic, and he’s a difference maker. Those don’t come around very often.”

Last season, Gibbs solidified his place as one of the best backs in the NFL, not just by posting 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. He also had 77 catches for 616 yards and five more TDs. Right now it can be said that he is already a receiver.

However, it seems like Campbell wants to step aside and line up the three-time Pro Bowler as a wide receiver next season. Which will give the Detroit offense another look that is hard to match.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

After some key departures, the Detroit Lions have some glaring needs ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Finding another starting-caliber offensive tackle is certainly one of them, even with Penei Sewell switching from right to left tackle. Another potential need involves strengthening the team’s running back room after trading David Montgomery to the Texans.

While some will argue that the arrival of free agent signee Isiah Pacheco makes up for the loss of Montgomery, the Lions love to run the football, and they want more than two reliable backs. Another solution could come in the NFL Draft, where the Lions have nine selections.

Recently, ESPN’s NFL analyst Ben Solak suggested that Notre Dame backup RB Jadarion Price is a “dream fit” for the Lions, where he would play second fiddle to Jahmir Gibbs, just like he did with the Fighting Irish behind star RB Jeremiah Love.

The Lions clearly won’t spend the 17th overall pick on a running back this year. However, Price could be their next pick, at No. 50 overall. But then again, the Lions probably won’t want to take on another major challenge to return when they’ve already invested heavily in keeping Gibbs as their starter for the foreseeable future.

Solak calls Price a “difficult projection” because he is not known as a strong pass-blocker or pass-catcher, meaning his best asset is as a rusher.

Price may not be available by the time the Lions are on the clock with the 118th overall pick, but there’s no doubt he could be a difference-maker in Detroit, or wherever he lands.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: End of March edition

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The Detroit Red Wings need to start winning games. After losing in heartbreaking fashion to the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators, Detroit is one point out of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs with 11 games remaining in the regular season. Despite scoring 84 points through 71 games, the Red Wings need more.

Last season, the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference was earned by the Montreal Canadiens. The organization scored 91 points in 82 games, leading the Stanley Cup playoffs by double digits. The Eastern Conference is on fire during the 2025-26 NHL season, and Detroit has to join the party.

The Red Wings have a record of 3-5-2 in their last 10 games. If Detroit repeats this over the next 11 games, it will finish with around 92–94 points, which likely won’t be enough to make the Stanley Cup playoffs. So, what challenges do the Red Wings face over the next 11 games?

Honestly, the schedule is in Detroit’s favor, but they need to take advantage of the time ahead.

Detroit Red Wings playoff outlook, remaining schedule in 2026

The Red Wings have the 10th toughest remaining schedule in the NHL, with six of their 11 games against teams outside the playoffs. Detroit has not fared well in games against the Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild and Tampa Bay Lightning; However, other bubble teams have much worse schedules.

As of Thursday, March 26, the New York Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets, Bruins and Senators have the top-4 toughest remaining schedules in the NHL. Ironically, all four teams are battling the Red Wings for the two wild card spots in the Eastern Conference. This is a great situation for Detroit.

Despite the 10th-toughest schedule, the Red Wings have a favorable draw with other teams. Boston is scheduled to play the Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota, Columbus and Tampa Bay twice. Meanwhile, New York has to play Dallas, Buffalo, Montreal, Ottawa and Carolina twice.

Ottawa also has a tough schedule with Carolina, Buffalo, Minnesota, New York and Tampa Bay. Ultimately, Columbus was assigned to Buffalo, Detroit, Carolina twice, Boston twice, and Montreal twice. Needless to say, the Red Wings have a more realistic path to the Stanley Cup playoffs than other teams in the Eastern Conference.

If the Red Wings can win two of their remaining three games against the Philadelphia Flyers, they will be in a great position to advance. However, Detroit will have to take advantage of their games against the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils.

As of now, MoneyPak has the Red Wings having a 42.4% chance of making the Stanley Cup playoffs; However, their chances seem high. Detroit should be able to control its own destiny unless other teams end up on scorched earth to end the season.

If the Red Wings want to end a nine-year playoff drought, they will have to earn it in the next 11 games.

READ MORE: Detroit Red Wings almost got a different defenseman at the trade deadline

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

The Detroit Pistons fell short against the Atlanta Hawks at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday, suffering a painful 130-129 defeat in overtime.

The Pistons failed to carry the momentum they gained with a 113-110 win at home over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, ending their nine-game winning streak.

The Hawks, on the other hand, won their third straight and moved to 41-32. The Pistons fell 52–20.

Detroit had two chances to steal the game, but Tobias Harris overshot his fallaway jumper from the baseline, while Jalen Duren, who grabbed the offensive rebound, fell short on his quick putback. Duran was in disbelief over the disappearance attempt to close.

Missed Game Winner: #piston Star Jalen Darren missed this wide open shot.

#hawks Came to play tonight and continued the win 15-1#nba pic.twitter.com/egSeReX3Xw

– FirstDownMedia (@FirstDownMediaa) 26 March 2026

Detroit cut the lead to 130–129 with 41.2 seconds left in overtime after Dennis Jenkins’ pull-up jumper. CJ McCollum missed his three-point attempt on the ensuing possession, opening the door for the Pistons. But alas, they couldn’t turn it off.

After finishing a clutch bucket with 9.5 ticks remaining in regulation, Harris sent the game into overtime at 121-121.

Duren had a commendable effort with 26 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Harris contributed 22 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Jenkins continued his strong scoring with 19 points, three rebounds and 10 assists.

The Pistons suffered their first loss since Cade Cunningham was diagnosed with a collapsed lung. They were on a four-game winning streak before facing the Hawks.

Jalen Johnson led Atlanta with 27 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists, while McCollum had 27 points and five assists.

Detroit returns to action on Thursday against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Detroit Tigers are entering the 2026 MLB season with high expectations. After losing to the Seattle Mariners in the 2025 AL Division Series, Detroit made several upgrades throughout the offseason. Most notably, the Tigers signed pitchers Framber Valdez, Justin Verlander, and Kenley Jansen.

Will the Tigers finally win the AL Central? Can Tarik Skubal become the first AL pitcher to win three consecutive Cy Young Awards? Will Detroit win its first World Series since 1984?

Below, we consider 10 bold predictions for the Tigers during the 2026 MLB season!

Kenley Johnson reaches 500 career saves

Jensen will reach 500 career MLB saves during the 2026 season. Jensen, who is expected to share the closing role with Will West and others, needs 24 saves to reach the 500 milestone. The 38-year-old closer ranks fourth all-time in MLB saves and will immortalize himself by recording his 500th save in 2026.

Colt Keith hits more than 20 home runs for the first time

Colt Keith has not produced as expected in MLB; However, that will change this season. In 2026, Keith will hit more than 20 home runs while batting in at least 75 runs. The Tigers’ third baseman hit 13 home runs in 2024 and 2025, but the extra pop in power has yet to appear. Keith is poised to have a breakout season and the Tigers hope to continue his 20-plus home run campaign.

Gleyber Torres stays healthy, produces All-Star season

Gleyber Torres was an All-Star second baseman in 2025; However, an injury reduced his production. However, Torres would bounce back by staying healthy during the 2026 MLB campaign and making the All-Star team again. The 29-year-old second baseman is ready to help lead the Tigers back to the MLB postseason.

Riley Green limited strikeouts, hit more than 40 home runs

Riley Green struck out 201 times during the 2025 MLB season, but that will not continue this season. Green will limit his strikeouts with better plate discipline while hitting over 40 home runs. The Tigers outfielder would breakout and become one of the favorites to win AL MVP. Green is ready for his breakout moment, and it could come in 2026.

Framber Valdez bounces back with sub-3.00 ERA

Valdez was Detroit’s biggest addition in free agency, and it will pay off with a speculative season. Valdez would have a sub-3.00 ERA and finish in the top 5 for AL Cy Young Award voting. After a disappointing 2025 MLB campaign, the former Houston Astros ace is set to come to Detroit. Even though Valdez is behind Skubal in the rotation, he will post No. 1 starting pitcher numbers.

Justin Verlander pitches well with sub-4.00 ERA

Verlander’s return to Detroit will be a successful one. Verlander will avoid the injured list while posting a sub-4.00 ERA during the 2026 season. The three-time AL Cy Young Award winner will have his moments, but he won’t derail. Verlander is back where he belongs with the Tigers, and he will start in the postseason.

Kevin McGonigle wins AL Rookie of the Year

Kevin McGonigle made the Opening Day roster and should produce as expected. McGonigal would be a middle-of-the-order hitter in the Tigers’ lineup and would win the AL Rookie of the Year award. The 21-year-old shortstop will have a slow start but will heat up in the summer months. McGonigal is ready for the big leagues and will prove why Detroit promoted him.

Tarik Skubal wins third consecutive AL Cy Young Award

Skubal will be joining a very prestigious list in 2026. The Tigers ace would go on to win the 2026 AL Cy Young Award in spectacular fashion, becoming the first AL pitcher to win the award in three consecutive seasons. Skubal would join Greg Maddux and Randy Johnson as the only MLB pitchers to win three consecutive Cy Young Awards.

Detroit Tigers win AL Central for first time since 2014

For the first time since 2014, the Tigers would win the AL Central. Detroit enters the 2026 MLB season as a favorite to win the division, and it will look to live up to those expectations. In fact, the Tigers would be the top-2 seed in the American League, earning a bye into the Wild Card Round for the first time in the new format.

Detroit Tigers lose to Los Angeles Dodgers in 2026 World Series

Detroit will make the 2026 World Series; However, it won’t end with a trophy. Despite a strong performance from the rotation, the Tigers would lose to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games. Outside of McGonigle and Green, the Tigers’ offense will not live up to expectations, leading to major changes during the 2026 MLB offseason.

READ MORE: Detroit Tigers starter Justin Verlander opens up about retirement plans ahead of 2026 season

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

Kevin McGonigle is headed to the big leagues. The Detroit Tigers announced that McGonigal made the Opening Day roster for the 2026 MLB season. The 21-year-old shortstop is the Tigers’ top prospect and one of the favorites to win the AL Rookie of the Year award this season.

McGonigal has quickly risen through the ranks after being selected by the Tigers with the 37th pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. In 2025, McGonigal was promoted to the Tigers’ Double-A affiliate, the Erie SeaWolves. After hitting 12 home runs and driving in 41 runs in 46 games, the shortstop earned the opportunity to fight for an Opening Day roster spot this season.

In spring training, McGonigal hit two home runs while driving in six runs in 44 at bats. The 21-year-old shortstop had a batting average of .250 and on-base percentage of .888. McGonigal gave Detroit a difficult decision and instead of sending him back to the minor leagues, he would remain as the starting shortstop.

Like other highly regarded MLB prospects, McGonigle would skip Triple-A and go straight to MLB. The Tigers are confident in McGonigal’s offensive abilities and his fielding was significantly improved during spring training. Now, he will slide into the left side of the infield next to third baseman Colt Keith.

McGongile is the consensus No. 2 prospect in baseball and is highly touted in Detroit. It may take time for McGonigal to fully integrate into MLB, but that shouldn’t scare anyone into his long-term potential in the big leagues.

McGonigle is ready to make his long-awaited debut in MLB, and the Tigers believe he can live up to expectations. If so, Detroit’s biggest addition in the 2025 MLB offseason could be one of the best prospects in baseball.

READ MORE: Detroit Tigers’ Justin Verlander reveals retirement plans ahead of 2026 season

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

The Detroit Pistons continued to thrive without Cade Cunningham as they snapped the Los Angeles Lakers’ nine-game winning streak on Monday.

The Pistons escaped the Lakers 113–110 at Little Caesars Arena, with Dennis Jenkins leading the way in the fourth quarter with a career-best 30 points, including a clutch basket.

Detroit led by as many as 16 points as Los Angeles rallied to keep the game close. However, the Pistons stayed the course and defended the Purple and Gold.

Lebron James much appreciated At the Pistons’ restraints, as shown in video posted by Spectrum Sportsnet.

“You give credit where credit’s due. They’re the No. 1 team in the East. They’ve still got a really good team even with their All-NBA player out. I give them a lot of credit. We gave ourselves a chance. That’s all you can ask for,” said James, who had 12 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists.

LeBron on tonight’s loss: “Definitely you give credit where credit is due. They’re the #1 team in the East… I give them a lot of credit. We gave ourselves a chance. That’s all you can ask for.” pic.twitter.com/hjlYqDerHe

– Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) 24 March 2026

The Pistons have now won four consecutive games and lost only once in their last eight contests. They solidified their hold on the top spot in the Eastern Conference with a 52–19 record. They have already secured the playoff ticket.

They have a relatively tough schedule ahead of them as they will face the Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder and Toronto Raptors.

But as James noted, Detroit has also played well without Cunningham, who will miss an extended period of time due to a collapsed lung, and the players will be ready for the challenge.

Jalen Duren added 20 points, 11 rebounds and four assists against the Lakers. Seven other players scored at least six points, highlighting the team’s depth.

The Detroit Pistons are officially headed back to the postseason. Detroit became the first team from the Eastern Conference to clinch a spot in the 2026 NBA Playoffs after an impressive 115-101 win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. This is the second consecutive year the Motor City will see playoff basketball, a feat that seemed nearly impossible just two seasons ago when the franchise finished with a league-worst 14–68 record.

Even without star guard Cade Cunningham, who is out with a chest injury, the Detroit Pistons did not lose a win at Little Caesars Arena. Jalen Duren led the offense with 23 points in just 21 minutes of action.

With Cunningham out, Dennis Jenkins stepped into the starting lineup and looked like a seasoned veteran, having a near triple-double with 22 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. The Pistons relied on their inner strength and tirelessness to overcome an uncharacteristically cold shooting night, where they converted only five of their 21 attempts from beyond the arc.

Defensively, Detroit acted as a nightmare for a shorthanded Golden State Warriors team that already lacked the legendary Stephen Curry. Aussie Thompson put on a defensive masterclass, recording a career-high seven steals and disrupting passing lanes all evening.

His activity helped the Warriors force an astonishing 26 turnovers, which the Pistons efficiently converted into 32 easy points. Brandin Podziemski led the visitors with 15 points, but Golden State struggled to find a rhythm after Kristaps Porzingis left the game in the first half due to lower back pain.

The win moved the Detroit Pistons to a perfect 51–19 record, maintaining a comfortable 4.5-game lead over the top-seeded Boston Celtics in the East. While the ultimate goal is a deep run in April and May, achieving it early proves how far this young core has come.

The Detroit Pistons took on the Washington Wizards on Thursday night and were forced to do so without the services of Cade Cunningham after the two-time NBA All-Star was diagnosed with a collapsed lung. Although the Pistons liked having their star guard available, they didn’t need him to beat the Wizards.

Detroit defeated Washington on Thursday night by a score of 117-95. Jalen Duren led the way for the Pistons with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Durant was one of six Pistons who scored in double figures in the 22-point win.

Halfway through the game, longtime Detroit Pistons play-by-play commentator George Blaha objected to some Wizards players laughing during a timeout.

“It’s a big joke on the Wizards bench,” Blaha said As the camera panned to Wizards guard Bub Carrington and forward Anthony Gill. “I know I would be laughed at if I lost that many games.”

george blaha doesn’t give a fuck anymore 😭 pic.twitter.com/gZQxD9or1j

— nick (@nick__xo) March 20, 2026

Carrington finished Thursday night’s contest with just 10 points on 4-11 shooting, while Anthony Gill was held scoreless in 24 minutes of play. Still, it was a little strange to hear George Blaha – who majored in Botany in Detroit, Michigan and has been the voice of Pistons basketball since 1976 – approach some Wizards players who were resting during a timeout.

With the win, the Pistons improved to an Eastern Conference best 50–19 record. They currently have just four games left on the Boston Celtics for the second seed, but will play at least the next two weeks without Cade Cunningham.

Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards fell to 16–53 on the season, the second-worst record in the NBA behind only the 15–55 Indiana Pacers.

The Detroit Pistons accomplished a historic feat by defeating the Washington Wizards 117–95. Thursday’s win was Detroit’s 50th of the regular season. This is the first time that the Pistons have achieved 50 wins since the 2007–08 season.

Detroit was able to accomplish this historic feat without All-Star point guard Cade Cunningham. He was unavailable after suffering a lung injury during the first five minutes against the Wizards last Tuesday.

The Pistons played their first matchup without Cunningham in another road matchup in Washington. They played with inspired energy from start to finish, leading them to another double-digit victory over the Wizards. Head coach JB Bickerstaff noted before the competition how difficult it would be to fill Cunningham’s absence.

Bickerstaff said, “Obviously, it’s tough. It’s tough with what Cade is going through. He’s a big part of what we do from a leadership standpoint. Obviously, the talent is there, but being around him every day makes guys’ days better.” “It’s our responsibility to keep moving forward. We know when he’s around he’ll support us. He’ll cheer us on, help us, coach us and lead us.”

The team came out with a spark that carried them to a 35-14 lead in the first quarter. Washington offered some pushback in the second quarter, but Detroit came back after halftime to impose its will. The Pistons outscored the Wizards 57–43 in the second half and put the game out of reach.

Bickerstaff has been a key part of the team’s development since arriving in Detroit in 2024. He offered his thoughts to the media after the game about reaching 50 wins for the Pistons this season.

Bickerstaff said, “This is progress, and that’s what we’re here for is to ultimately keep getting better. And I think we’ve done that. But there’s still a lot more to do and the most important thing is we’re focused on what we have left, how we prepare ourselves for tomorrow.”

Pistons advance amid Cunningham’s absence

Detroit has played seven games without him due to other miscellaneous injuries. Cunningham’s collapsed lung is the first long-term injury the team has been forced to play this regular season.

The Pistons weren’t shy about being motivated by Cunningham’s absence. Forward Auser Thompson explained what his absence on the court means for the team and what to expect when he returns.

“We play with him in our minds. How hard he works every day, his energy, we have to come together as a collective and bring him. … When he comes back, we’ll be very excited and ready for him to step up and do whatever he does,” Thompson explained.

Detroit managed to play a somewhat similar style without Cunningham as All-Star center Jalen Duren had an impressive night against the Wizards. Duren finished the night with 24 points, 11 rebounds and two steals. Six of those rebounds were pulled down on the offensive end, creating second chances for Detroit.

Backup center Paul Reed had an impressive performance, scoring 17 points in 20 minutes off the bench. Guards Duncan Robinson, Kevin Huerter and Caris LeVert scored 14 points each for the Pistons. Thompson contributed ten points and nine rebounds in his restricted minutes.

The Detroit Pistons have been one of the top teams in the league this season, but the next few weeks could be tough for them playing without their star player. ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Cade Cunningham will be out for an extended period of time with a lung injury. He left their game against the Washington Wizards after playing only five minutes.

The Pistons released a statement regarding Cunningham’s injury.

“After further testing, Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with pneumothorax of the left lung. Cunningham
Went out in the first quarter of Tuesday’s game vs. the Wizards. He will be reevaluated in two weeks, Pistone wrote.

It is uncertain how long Cunningham will be out, but there is a good chance he will miss the remainder of the regular season. There is some optimism that he will return for the start of the postseason, but it is still too early to tell.

Cunningham has been the engine for the Pistons this season, and without him, they will have to carry a lot of the load. He had an All-NBA season, and at this point, he may not be able to qualify for season awards given the amount of games he could potentially miss.

The Pistons are also in danger of losing the No. 1 seed, as the Boston Celtics are just 3.5 games behind them. Luckily, the Pistons have a tiebreaker between them, which could go a long way if they have the same record as them at the end of the season.

The Pistons have a fairly easy schedule, so they should be able to stick around if Cunningham is sidelined, but they’ll need him when the playoffs start. If they can bring him back before that then it would be a big thing for them.

The Detroit Pistons have already shown they can win without Cade Cunningham, and that context now shapes this stage of the regular season after their latest injury update. The Pistons lead the Eastern Conference standings at 49-19, but are just 5-5 in their last 10 games. Earlier this year, Detroit went 5-2 without its star guard, averaging 111.7 points per game in that span. That pattern holds even more importance now as the team prepares to deal with another absence of its franchise leader.

Before this setback, Cunningham was having one of the best seasons of his career. He averaged 24.5 points and 9.9 assists while controlling the pace and providing consistent offense. Its effect is also visible in advanced numbers. The Pistons outscored opponents by 10.9 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor. Without him, the figure drops to +2.7. The system still works, but it’s obviously changed.

The first 5-2 run revealed something important. Detroit can adapt. The ball moves fast. Scoring becomes more balanced. The speed remains stable. It’s not the same structure, but still effective enough to win games.

Pistons will face a big test after Cade Cunningham’s injury.

Now, the challenge is much more serious. Reports have confirmed that Cade Cunningham has suffered a damaged lung, an injury that will keep him sidelined for an extended period of time with no clear timeline for his return.

Time makes it even more difficult. The regular season is coming to a close. Detroit still leads the East, but recent inconsistency adds pressure. Every possession matters more. The margin for error decreases under the intensity of the playoffs.

Still, the Pistons have already built up confidence without their star. Role players have already moved on. The offense has proven it can maintain production. That belief matters now.

However, the roof is tied to Cunningham. His control, vision and late-game presence cannot be replaced. Detroit can remain competitive. True controversy is another level.

So now the question sharpens: If the Pistons have already proven they can win without Cade Cunningham this season, can they keep it up when it matters most?

The Detroit Pistons have been fairly healthy for much of the season, which is one reason they remain on top of the Eastern Conference. There are some players who have had long-term issues, and one of them is Isaiah Stewart, as he has been dealing with a calf injury.

Head coach JB Bickerstaff recently spoke about Stewart’s injury, which has been bothering him for some time.

“It’s something he’s dealing with. It’s getting worse. He destroyed it in the last game and I think you could see he was favoring it late … It’s something we’re going to take time with,” Bickerstaff said, via Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press.

It is uncertain how long Stewart may be sidelined, but the expectation is that it won’t be for long. If that’s the case, the Pistons will have to rely on their depth to overcome his absence, and that means Jalen Duren may also see an increase in minutes.

It’s safe to say that Stewart has been the enforcer for the Pistons ever since he’s been on the team, and he’s willing to protect his team by any means necessary. He recently opened up about where he gets his mentality to hit the floor.

“I’ll just say I’m very competitive and I look at the court like we’re going to war,” Stewart said on The Young Man and The Three podcast. “I know the other team is trying to get our heads down. So, it’s like an upset, like I’ve got something to defend. I’m just proud. I’m not going to lie down and give you an easy game.

“It shows that they don’t know me, and just in a moment they start judging me. I’ve had a lot of different teammates that I’ve competed against that didn’t like me, then they come to Detroit, it’s just like a threat, Stu is different. It’s great to have him as a teammate as a brother.”

The Detroit Pistons are trying to get back on track after going through a recent slump that saw them lose four straight games. They stopped the bleeding by beating the Brooklyn Nets 138-100 on Tuesday.

The Pistons are 7-5 since the showdown with the Charlotte Hornets in February, which some believe has sharpened the team’s focus. The incident could have been much worse and could have completely derailed Detroit’s campaign.

But lessons were learned and the Pistons are now trying to move on. Duncan Robinson admitted in “The Young Man and the Three” that he regretted not trying to stop Isaiah Stewart from entering the court.

“I couldn’t stop it, but I hate not seeing him on the court. So if I could have done something to stop him from getting to Miles (Bridges), but he had obviously made up his mind, there was nothing I was going to do in that moment,” Robinson said.

Fans mocked the 31-year-old shooter for running away and doing nothing during the brawl. To some, Robinson let down his teammates.

He said he understands the story being spread, but said his teammates always support him.

“I think Stu and my teammates know I ride for them. Obviously, it’ll be a little different than how Stu rides for his teammates. I’m also going to be authentically me, okay? In that moment, I got caught. It felt bad. Honestly, it did. It didn’t feel like I was down for that reason,” Robinson said.

“Next time, I’m going to catch someone. At least fake it, get in the way. But I thought it was like helping Bill Nye with a science project. Like he’s taken care of it, you know what I mean?”

The brawl led to heavy sanctions, with Stewart and Jalen Duren being suspended for seven games and two games, respectively. Meanwhile, Bridges and Moussa Diabate were both suspended for four games.

The Pistons won that game 110–104. Robinson had 18 points on 8-0f-10 shooting, three rebounds and four assists.

It seems like the offseason has just begun, yet the Detroit Lions are already busy, showing they aren’t afraid to shake things up. We’ve already seen that the Lions have hired Drew Petzing as the new offensive coordinator. Lions general manager Brad Holmes is also making changes to the roster.

On Monday, the Lions revealed that they have released offensive guard Graham Glasgow from the roster. Glasgow, a 10-year veteran, spent seven seasons with the Broncos in Detroit and three seasons in Denver.

Glasgow has started 136 of 147 games since being drafted as the 95th overall pick in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He started 14 of his 15 appearances last season for a Lions team that went 9-8.

Set to turn 34 in July, Glasgow should have no trouble finding another starting opportunity this offseason. He had one year left on his contract in Detroit, but releasing him saved $5.56 million in 2026. The Lions will also face a $2.88 million dead cap charge for moving on from Glasgow a year ago.

The Lions have already secured a potential replacement, by sending David Montgomery back to the Houston Texans in exchange for Juice Scruggs, as well as a fourth- and seventh-round selection. The 26-year-old Scruggs is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has started 20 of his 37 appearances since being made the 62nd overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

RELATED: Aidan Hutchinson discusses ‘dream’ of Detroit Lions trading for Max Crosby

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Friday night at Little Caesars Arena was already headed toward “weirdest of all time,” but things escalated from technical chaos to sideline drama. While the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers were busy navigating a broken scoreboard and a handheld air horn, some fans in the front row decided to test Dennis Schroder’s patience, and they lost.

The veteran guard, who has been a steady force for the Cavs since arriving via trade, found himself at the center of a heated exchange during the second half.

While the specific “dis” remains secret, it was enough for the officiating crew and area security to intervene. After a brief discussion near the baseline, security escorted a group of fans out of their seats. Schroder, never one to shy away from a verbal debate, seemed unfazed while guiding the offense through the strangest environment of the NBA season.

A fan was kicked out of Cavs-Pistons because of something he said to Dennis Schroder.pic.twitter.com/gvOOIH0dV7

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 28 February 2026

Before the ejection and power surge that broke the arena buzzer, the game featured some legitimate heavyweight basketball. The Cleveland Cavaliers were forced to lean heavily on their frontcourt with both Donovan Mitchell and James Harden sidelined.

Evan Mobley played massive minutes to keep Cleveland in it, finishing regulation with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Sam Merrill also stepped up in a big way and finished the fourth quarter with 20 points while knocking down key shots.

The Detroit Pistons, on the other hand, continued to rely on their young core. Jalen Duren was an absolute force in the paint, scoring 33 points and 16 rebounds. Cade Cunningham nearly equaled that scoring output, dropping 25 points of his own, while dishing out seven assists to keep the Pistons’ offense fluid despite the lack of a working game clock.

When the “manual” air horn was sounded to end the fourth quarter, the score was stuck at 114–114. We’re headed for free basketball in Detroit.

Cade Cunningham’s historic performance led the Detroit Pistons to solidify their hold on the top spot in the Eastern Conference with a 126-111 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.

Cunningham produced 42 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds in 38 minutes, shooting 17-for-34 (50 percent) from the field, 5-for-11 from three-point range and 3-for-3 at the foul line. He finished with one steal, two blocks, five turnovers and zero fouls. The 24-year-old scored 24 of Detroit’s 58 points in the first half and 14 points in the opening quarter, hitting three 3-pointers, as the Pistons erased a 9-2 deficit with a 21-8 run. He finished the first half with eight points and assists on a 7-0 run, leading Detroit 58–48 at halftime.

Cunningham’s stat line made franchise history. He became the first Pistons player to post at least 40 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and five 3-pointers in a single game. It was his third 40-point game of the season, his 28th double-double, and fell four points shy of his career high. He is now third in MVP odds at +700 at BetMGM, behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (-150) and Nikola Jokic (+275).

Meanwhile, Detroit improved to 41–13, the best record in the NBA, six games ahead of the Boston Celtics in the East and seven games ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Central Division. The Pistons have won nine of their last 11 games and completed a three-game season sweep of New York by a combined 84 points, extending their regular season winning streak over the Knicks to six games after losing 16 straight in the earlier matchup.

Playing without suspended centers Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, Detroit still won the rebounding battle 44–38 and outscored New York 58–56 in the paint. Paul Reed started at center and recorded 18 points, seven rebounds and three blocks, while Tobias Harris contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds. Ausner Thompson scored 10 points.

New York shot 47.1 percent overall but just 8-for-35 (22.9 percent) from three. Jalen Brunson scored 33 points with eight assists, and Karl-Anthony Towns had 21 points and 11 rebounds.

The Knicks host the Houston Rockets next Saturday, while the Pistons travel to Chicago to face the Bulls.

The Detroit Pistons remain on top of the Eastern Conference with a 40–13 record, led by stellar play from Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, along with steady contributions from a supporting cast.

The Pistons display toughness on both ends of the court, with some claiming they are reminiscent of the team’s “bad boy” era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, others are not happy with the pistons, saying they are too stiff and too physical.

However, Detroit coach JB Bickerstaff expressed a different opinion, as he noted in an appearance on Road Trippin’.

“People are talking about and limiting the basketball abilities of our guys, and just calling them roughhouses and hooligans and things like that,” Bickerstaff said.

“Our guys get grabbed, tackled and wrestled. You go back every night and look at us and see everything that happens, and it’s physical, right? We put out as much as we can, but we don’t cross the line, OK? I want everyone to be aware of that. Our guys go out and impact winning basketball games through their physical ability and the toughness of it all.”

Recently, the NBA suspended Duren for four games and Isaiah Stewart for seven games for fighting with the Charlotte Hornets. This was not the first time that Duren and Stewart were involved in a controversy.

Bickerstaff, who joined the team in 2024, admitted that although they are trying to emulate the Pistons’ “bad boy” era, they are not intentionally trying to hurt anyone. He stressed that he is only working hard for the fans because that is what is expected of him.

“He loves that style of play, that grit, that toughness, you know, the ability to not back down from anybody, play an unselfish brand of basketball and work extremely hard every night,” Bickerstaff said.

Detroit returns to action on Thursday against the New York Knicks.

The Detroit Pistons remain on top of the Eastern Conference with a 40–13 record, led by stellar play from Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, along with steady contributions from a supporting cast.

The Pistons display toughness on both ends of the court, with some claiming they are reminiscent of the team’s “bad boy” era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, others are not happy with the pistons, saying they are too stiff and too physical.

However, Detroit coach JB Bickerstaff expressed a different opinion, as he noted in an appearance on Road Trippin’.

“People are talking about and limiting the basketball abilities of our guys, and just calling them roughhouses and hooligans and things like that,” Bickerstaff said.

“Our guys get grabbed, tackled and wrestled. You go back every night and look at us and see everything that happens, and it’s physical, right? We put out as much as we can, but we don’t cross the line, OK? I want everyone to be aware of that. Our guys go out and impact winning basketball games through their physical ability and the toughness of it all.”

Recently, the NBA suspended Duren for four games and Isaiah Stewart for seven games for fighting with the Charlotte Hornets. This was not the first time that Duren and Stewart were involved in a controversy.

Bickerstaff, who joined the team in 2024, admitted that although they are trying to emulate the Pistons’ “bad boy” era, they are not intentionally trying to hurt anyone. He stressed that he is only working hard for the fans because that is what is expected of him.

“He loves that style of play, that grit, that toughness, you know, the ability to not back down from anybody, play an unselfish brand of basketball and work extremely hard every night,” Bickerstaff said.

Detroit returns to action on Thursday against the New York Knicks.