NBA power rankings: Are the Pistons emerging as title favorites?

February 24, 2026 - 03:29

The Detroit Pistons, once left for dead in the standings, have forcefully re-entered the NBA conversation by rattling off five consecutive victories. This impressive streak is casting a new light on the team's potential and is spearheaded by the transcendent play of All-Star guard Cade Cunningham.

Cunningham, the former first overall pick, is not just playing well; he is authoring a campaign that demands inclusion in the Most Valuable Player discussion. His blend of scoring, playmaking, and clutch performance has been the undeniable engine for Detroit's resurgence. He is consistently controlling games, making decisive plays in critical moments, and elevating the entire roster around him.

While labeling the Pistons as title favorites remains a premature leap in a deep Eastern Conference, their rapid ascent is undeniable. The team is demonstrating a cohesive identity built on defensive intensity and opportunistic offense. This winning formula, combined with Cunningham's superstar emergence, has transformed them from league afterthoughts to a formidable opponent no one can afford to overlook. The league has been put on notice: the Pistons are arriving ahead of schedule.