Pistons Defeat Timberwolves 109-87 to Tighten Grip on East's Top Seed

Detroit's balanced scoring attack leads to ninth win in last 11 games, extending lead over Boston in the East.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:33am

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The Detroit Pistons defeated the injury-riddled Minnesota Timberwolves 109-87 on Saturday, led by Tobias Harris' 18 points. The Pistons, who have won 9 of their last 11 games, strengthened their hold on the top seed in the Eastern Conference, extending their lead over the Boston Celtics. Five other Pistons scored at least 10 points, while Minnesota was without several key players due to injuries.

Why it matters

The Pistons' win over the Timberwolves solidifies their position atop the Eastern Conference standings, putting them in prime position to secure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. This result could have significant implications for the postseason race in the East.

The details

The Pistons were led by Tobias Harris' 18 points, while Jalen Duren added a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Detroit also got strong contributions from Daniss Jenkins and Ronald Holland II, who each scored 13 points. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, were without several key players due to injuries, including Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Ayo Dosunmu. Donte DiVincenzo led Minnesota with 22 points, while Rudy Gobert recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

  • The Pistons began the day with a four-game lead over the Boston Celtics in the race for the Eastern Conference's top seed.
  • Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (collapsed lung) missed his sixth straight game.
  • Anthony Edwards (right knee inflammation) missed his sixth straight game for the Timberwolves.

The players

Tobias Harris

A forward for the Detroit Pistons who led the team with 18 points in the win.

Jalen Duren

A center for the Detroit Pistons who recorded a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Donte DiVincenzo

A guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who led the team with 22 points, including five 3-pointers.

Rudy Gobert

A center for the Minnesota Timberwolves who had 14 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.

Cade Cunningham

A guard for the Detroit Pistons who missed his sixth straight game due to a collapsed lung.

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What’s next

The Pistons will travel to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder on Monday, while the Timberwolves will visit the Dallas Mavericks on the same day.

The takeaway

The Pistons' balanced scoring attack and strong defensive performance against the injury-riddled Timberwolves has helped them extend their lead atop the Eastern Conference standings. This result could have significant implications for the postseason race in the East, as the Pistons continue to solidify their position as the team to beat.