Pistons Eager to Flex Playoff Experience

Cade Cunningham leads Detroit into postseason after missing last year's run

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:40pm

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A dynamic, fragmented painting depicting the action and energy of a Pistons playoff basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and overlapping planes in the team's vibrant colors.Cade Cunningham and the Pistons aim to leverage their playoff experience to make a deep postseason run.Today in Orlando

The Detroit Pistons will face the winner of Friday's Hornets-Magic game in the first round of the NBA playoffs. This will be a valuable experience for the team, especially young star Cade Cunningham, who missed last year's playoff run due to injury.

Why it matters

The Pistons are looking to build on their recent success and make a deep playoff run. Cunningham's return to the postseason will be a key factor, as he aims to showcase his skills and leadership on the big stage.

The details

After missing the playoffs last season due to injury, Cade Cunningham and the Pistons are eager to make the most of their playoff opportunity this year. The team will face the winner of Friday's Hornets-Magic matchup in the first round, providing valuable experience for the young squad.

  • The Pistons will face the winner of Friday's Hornets-Magic game in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' All-Star leader who missed last year's playoff run due to injury.

Detroit Pistons

An NBA team looking to build on their recent success and make a deep playoff run.

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What they’re saying

“The connectivity, the connectiveness, connectedness — whatever the word is — it's all of it”

— Cade Cunningham

What’s next

The Pistons will face the winner of Friday's Hornets-Magic game in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The takeaway

Cade Cunningham's return to the playoffs will be a key factor for the Pistons as they look to build on their recent success and make a deep postseason run.