Will Detroit Pistons Thrive Again on the West Coast?

After a 13-game winning streak came to an end, the Detroit Pistons have shown precisely how a team should respond. Winners of six of their last seven games, they’ve bounced back with the kind of confidence that makes you sit up and take notice.

The best is still ahead. With matchups against the Dallas Mavericks and the Charlotte Hornets on the horizon, the Pistons are about to head out on a five-game West Coast trip. Another strong run could do more than rack up wins—it could continue reshaping the narrative around a team that has already gone from feel-good story to serious contender.

Last season, a West Coast swing helped the Pistons rewrite the story around them. Could history repeat itself this year? Let’s take a closer look at what this trip could mean for Detroit.

Will Detroit Pistons Thrive Again on the West Coast?

Déjà Vu: Can the Pistons Thrive on the West Coast Again?

Last season, the Pistons went on a four-game West Coast trip against some of the conference’s toughest teams. Wins over the Suns, Lakers, and Kings gave the team confidence and helped propel them to a 30-20 record after the trip. This season, the contrast is striking.

Last season, the Pistons hit the West Coast with an 11-17 record. Even then, you could see the blueprint for the future taking shape—every game revealed growth and potential. This season, the story is different: the Pistons will head out west with more than 20 wins and fewer than 10 losses, a team fully built and ready to compete.

The style of basketball is established. Cade Cunningham has evolved from an outstanding player into a bona fide star. The supporting cast isn’t just surrounding him—they complement his game and the identity that J.B. Bickerstaff has carefully crafted.

Games to Watch

Two games stand out on the Pistons’ schedule: December 26 against the Utah Jazz and December 30 against the Lakers. Two very different teams, heading in opposite directions, which makes these matchups particularly intriguing.

The Jazz game offers another chance to see potential trade target Lauri Markkanen in action. Back on November 5 in Detroit, Markkanen scored 25 points on 8-of-22 shooting, including 3-of-12 from three. Fans and pundits alike have speculated that he could be the perfect fit for this Pistons roster, and this matchup might provide a clearer glimpse of what that would look like.

Then comes the primetime showdown with the Luka Dončić-led Lakers on the 30th—a team with championship aspirations. For the Pistons, it’s not just a test of their talent but a statement game, an opportunity to prove their winning ways can extend to the league’s elite. And, of course, the ongoing back-and-forth between LeBron James and Isaiah Stewart adds another layer of drama to watch.

The Last Word

The Detroit Pistons aren’t just on a streak—they’re on a mission. Every bounce-back, every confident possession, every matchup on this West Coast trip is another chance to prove the narrative has changed.

These Pistons have grown from a feel-good story into one capable of turning heads. The style is defined. The star is rising. The supporting cast is ready to shine. By the time this trip ends, one thing will be clear: the Pistons aren’t here to participate—they’re here to make a mark. And if they play as we’ve seen, no one will doubt it.