Omari Sankofa II | Detroit Free Press
As we reach the midway point of the 2020-21 season, it’s clear the Detroit Pistons have a way to go before they’re an Eastern Conference contender.
But they’ve consistently been interesting to watch and have given fans reason for hope moving forward. It’s been an unpredictable season due to the pandemic and COVID-19 protocols.
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Here’s a look at where all 30 NBA teams stand through Sunday’s slate of games:
30. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-24)
The Wolves parted ways Sunday with head coach Ryan Saunders. They’ve been banged up, but new head coach Chris Finch will have his work cut out to right the ship.
29. Detroit Pistons (8-22)
It looked as though the Pistons were finding some momentum after winning three of four games. They’ve dropped three straight since then, all against nonplayoff teams. They’ll be shorthanded at the point guard position until Delon Wright returns from a grade two right groin sprain.
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28. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-21)
After a hot start, the Cavs are in the midst of a free fall. They’ve lost 10 straight games and are looking to trade former Piston Andre Drummond a year after trading for him.
27. Houston Rockets (11-17)
Former Pistons big man Christian Wood was thriving in his first season in Houston before suffering an ankle injury on Feb. 4.
26. Sacramento Kings (12-18)
Sacramento looked solid at the start of the season, but have dropped seven straight games. Rookie point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who the Pistons passed on drafting in November, looks like a stud.
[ Pistons’ Jerami Grant compares favorably to stiff competition for NBA All-Star Game bid ]
25. Oklahoma City Thunder (12-18)
This was expected to be a rebuilding season for the Thunder, and they’ve looked the part. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a Pistons draft pick in an alternate universe, has been impressive in his third season.
24. Washington Wizards (10-17)
They started the season cold, but have won four straight games. Bradley Beal is an All-Star starter, Russell Westbrook is finding his groove and the team has been somewhat competitive.
23. Atlanta Hawks (13-17)
The Hawks entered the season with playoff expectations and initially looked like they’d meet them. But consistency has been an issue.
22. Orlando Magic (13-18)
Nikola Vucevic, who scored 37 Sunday against the Pistons, is having a career season.
[ Pistons owe Blake Griffin a lot of money. But they owe it to themselves to move on ]
21. Chicago Bulls (13-16)
Zach LaVine has emerged as one of the Eastern Conference’s most electric scorers and is a candidate to be an All-Star reserve.
20. New Orleans Pelicans (13-17)
If the Pels played in the East, they would have a strong chance at making the playoffs. Zion Williamson has been unstoppable near the rim in his sophomore season.
[ How Ray Scott, NBA’s first Black Coach of the Year, got his chance with the Detroit Pistons ]
19. Dallas Mavericks (13-15)
The Mavs are treading water and are currently in the mix for a play-in game, but Luka Doncic is picking up where he left off after a historic sophomore season.
18. Miami Heat (13-17)
Jimmy Butler played just five games in January, but he’s back and the Heat are finding some momentum. They defeated an Anthony Davis-less Los Angeles Lakers team on Saturday and have won six of their last nine.
17. New York Knicks (15-16)
New York was Derrick Rose’s preferred destination two weeks ago, and they’ve been one of the bigger surprises in the NBA in Tom Thibodeau’s first season as head coach.
16. Charlotte Hornets (14-15)
The Pistons worked out LaMelo Ball during the pre-draft process, but the Hornets snagged him with the third overall pick. He’s comfortably leading the Rookie of the Year race.
15. Memphis Grizzlies (13-13)
Former Michigan State big man Xavier Tillman is having a good rookie season in Memphis. He’s started seven games this season and has otherwise been a reliable bench piece.
14. Boston Celtics (15-15)
It’s been a bad start to the week for Boston, who lost to the Pelicans in overtime on Sunday despite having a 24-point lead. They’ve lost six of their last 10.
13. Golden State Warriors (16-15)
After missing most of last season with a hand injury, Steph Curry is back and as good as he’s ever been. He’s an MVP candidate.
12. Indiana Pacers (15-14)
Domantas Sabonis might be having one of the NBA’s more underrated seasons this year, averaging 21.5 points, 11.6 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game.
11. Denver Nuggets (16-14)
Consistency has been an issue for the Nuggets this season, who have lost six of their last 10 games.
[ Many laughed when Jerami Grant signed with Pistons. Who’s laughing now? ]
10. Toronto Raptors (16-15)
Toronto has gone 14-7 since a 2-8 start to the season and is surging after two wins over the Milwaukee Bucks and a win against the Philadelphia 76ers last week.
9. San Antonio Spurs (16-11)
Positive tests on the roster have kept the Spurs out of action since. Feb. 14. They had won five of their last six games and are on track for a playoff berth after snapping their 22-year postseason streak in 2020.
8. Milwaukee Bucks (18-13)
After two seasons of dominance, the Bucks look mortal this year. They recently lost five consecutive games before snapping their skid Friday against the Thunder.
7. Portland Trail Blazers (18-11)
Many felt as though Damian Lillard was snubbed when he wasn’t named an All-Star starter late last week. He’s kept the Blazers afloat as they await the return of CJ McCollum, who suffered a hairline fracture in his left foot in January.
6. Phoenix Suns (19-10)
The Chris Paul trade has been a success for Phoenix, which is on pace to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
5. Philadelphia 76ers (20-11)
Joel Embiid is having an MVP-caliber season, and Daryl Morey’s first season as president of basketball operations is off to a strong start.
4. Los Angeles Lakers (22-9)
The Lakers will be without Anthony Davis for four weeks due to a calf strain. LeBron James hasn’t missed a step in his 18th season.
3. Brooklyn Nets (20-12)
Winners of six straight games, Brooklyn looks like the best team in the Eastern Conference even though Kevin Durant has missed seven of their last eight.
2. Los Angeles Clippers (22-10)
They defeated the red hot Utah Jazz last week and are a strong No. 2 in the Western Conference right now behind career seasons from Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
1. Utah Jazz (24-6)
The most dominant team in the NBA this season, Utah has won 20 of its last 22 games.
Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @omarisankofa.