Bill Simmons gives props to Detroit despite loss to Magic

Friday night brought fans incredible hoops and they need look no further than the intense exchange between two teams on the rise in the Eastern Conference in Detroit Pistons‘ clash against the Orlando Magic. The The Pistons were the best team in the Eastern Conference in the early stages of the new campaign as the Magic thrive despite the absence of Paolo Banchero — winning seven of their past 10.

In the end, the Magic outlasted the Pistons in a bloodbath, 112-109 — handing Detroit its second straight loss. Cade Cunningham eventually went all out, but the Magic were cautious in defending the three-point line, leading to a contested free throw by the Pistons star.

One thing’s for sure, though — the Pistons are back in a big way. They took a huge step forward last season when they improved by 30 wins from their nightmare 2023-24 campaign and ended up winning 44 games, but now they look like a legitimate contender, especially in the wide East. NBA insider and longtime fan Bill Simmons showed gratitude for crowd at Little Caesars Arena as they showered this emerging Pistons team with support reminiscent of the franchise’s halcyon days.

“Some great hoops tonight! Great to have the old school Pistons crowd back. I’d go for NI-Mil / Det-Orl and Cle-Atl in the first round,” Simmons wrote on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

The Eastern Conference may be the weaker half of the NBA, but they provide some very exciting action that will have fans on the edge of their seats, especially Pistons fans.

Clips will be tested

Amidst the Pistons’ hot start, they will now have to contend with the fact that they will now be “hunted” in the East. The Boston Celtics and Magic certainly brought their A-games against the current East leader, and the Pistons are on the horizon as they face the Miami Heat on the road Saturday night at 8:00 PM ET

Considering the trouble they had to go through against the Magic on the first night of back-to-back games, it will be difficult for the Pistons to get back to winning ways. But they have to, especially when they are in the throes of proving themselves as genuine title contenders. Every team will be gunning for them – will they be ready to fight back?