Last week, the Detroit Pistons released their schedule for the 2021-2022 season. So, let’s break down the main parts of the Pistons schedule.

National Televised Game

The Detroit Pistons were robbed entirely of having multiple nationally televised games on ESPN or TNT. The Pistons only got one nationally televised game for the entire season against the Houston Rockets. It will be the first time the number one pick for the Pistons, Cade Cuningham will take on the second pick of the Rockets Jalen Green. The matchup is scheduled for November 12th on ESPN.

Also, the Pistons have four games on NBA TV scheduled as well. Hopefully, with the rise in Cunningham and the team, we could see the Pistons earn more nationally televised games on ESPN or TNT as the season progresses.

Toughest Stretch of the Season

The Pistons have a brutal stretch at the end of November. The Pistons have an 8-game stretch that includes the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat at home. Then a five-game road trip consists of the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers again, and Portland Trail Blazers.

Back to Backs and Rest Days

The Pistons have 12 back-to-backs during the season. The team’s first 12 games include three back to backs to kick off the season. But, The Pistons are only of the six teams with just 12 back to backs, which is a positive.

While many Pistons fans are frustrated with the start of the season, there are multiple positive outlooks with our schedule. According to Positive Residual, The Pistons have the most games with a true rest advantage at 17 games. This means that the Pistons have at least one rest day while the other team does not have a rest day.

Thread: My NBA Calendar app has been updated with the 2021-22 season schedule. The Pistons have the most games with a true rest advantage (17), whereby they have at least one day of rest while they play an opponent without rest. https://t.co/kRbrpZsqh2 pic.twitter.com/4nsvsKGfNX
— Positive Residual (@presidual) August 20, 2021

Key Dates

There are fellow vital matchups to watch out for.

Cade Cunningham will make his Pistons debut on October 20th against the Chicago Bulls.

The teams will play against each other twice during the season. The first will be the battle between Cunningham and Green. The first will be in Houston on November 12th, and the second game will be played in Detroit on December 18th.

Another battle to look out for is when the Pistons take on the Dallas Mavericks. Cunningham has drawn many comparisons to Mavericks star Luka Doncic. So, it should be fun to watch them compete against each other. The first game will be on February 8th in Dallas, and the second game will be in Detroit on April 6th.