Pistons 2016-17 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds and Record Predictions

Last season was the first in seven years that the Detroit Pistons appeared in the Eastern Conference playoffs before they were swept out of the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

With the release of the 2016-17 schedule on Thursday, this largely unchanged Pistons team can set its sights on improving its standing in the conference as it looks to reclaim the dominance of the early 2000s. 

2016-17 Details

Season Opener: Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Toronto Raptors

Championship Odds: 100-1 (via Odds Shark)

Full Schedule: NBA.com

         Top Matchups

Cleveland Cavaliers

First Matchup: Friday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. ET at CLE

The Pistons will be looking to exact some revenge on the defending NBA champions after they were swept out of the playoffs in a series where Kyrie Irving and LeBron James combined to average over 50 points per game.

James was able to have a huge series and muscle his way around Detroit’s physical play as things got chippy in Game 2:

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However, the Pistons’ physical play did get under James’ skin, according to Bernie Augustine of the New York Daily News (WARNING: NFSW Language):

James was elbowed by Marcus Morris while battling in the paint in the fourth quarter of Cleveland’s Game 2 win, and could be seen pleading his case with an official. When the ref walked away, James could be seen saying “I’m gonna f–k that n—a up” to no one in particular.

Don’t be surprised if that physicality and ill will carry over into the regular season, where the Pistons …

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