Detroit clinched the Eastern Conference's number one seed with a week left, despite Cade Cunningham’s collapsed lung ruling him out for the rest of the regular season. A 116‑93 rout of the Philadelphia 76ers in Saturday’s game secured home‑court advantage for the first time since 2006‑07. The win kept the Pistons firmly on top of the East.

Without Cade Cunningham, Detroit has gone 7‑2 in nine games, all losses in overtime, including one to Oklahoma City. All‑Star center Jalen Duren has taken the offensive lead, averaging 23 points and 11 rebounds on 66 percent shooting, while reserve guard Daniss Jenkins posted 19.3 points and over seven assists. The team shot 38.8 percent from beyond the arc, a sharp rise from earlier in the season.

The victory also sent a statement to the rest of the East: a squad that can grind without its star will stay competitive. Pistons swingman Ausar Thompson said the team rallied around the defensive front, and forward Tobias Harris led the scoring with 19 points despite hostile crowds. When Cunningham returns for Game 1, the Pistons will fight to defend their hard‑earned home‑court edge.