NBA Power Rankings: Are the Detroit Pistons for real?

By Ian Levy | Oct 30, 2018

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 25: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 25, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 25: Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons is introduced during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 25, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

64. . 4-1. Previous: 13th. Detroit Pistons. 12. team

This strong start from the Pistons has been a lot of fun, especially the resurgent MVP-level performance of Blake Griffin (currently averaging 28.4 points, 10 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game). However, the statistical cracks may be beginning to show. If the Hornets are a team who may be underestimated by their win-loss record, the Pistons could be an example of the opposite case.

Despite their 4-1 record, the Pistons have actually been outscored by a total of seven points across those five games. Their four wins came against Philadelphia (respectable), Brooklyn, Cleveland and Chicago (much less so). In fact, by Basketball-Reference’s SRS (strength of schedule-adjusted point differential) the Pistons ranks 25th in the league. It’s possible the Pistons are just working their way into a rhythm, but it’s just as likely that the luck runs out and things get a lot more challenging from here.

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