Inside the Detroit Pistons’ 2024-25 season: Key dates and major matchups

Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) reacts during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) APAP

The Detroit Pistons will tip off their 2024-25 NBA season on Oct. 23 at Little Caesars Arena (LCA), hosting two-time NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers. The NBA revealed the full schedule on Thursday.

After the opener, the Pistons will take a day off before hitting the road for their first away game on Oct. 25, when new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff returns to Cleveland to face his former team, the Cavaliers. This marks the first of back-to-back games for Detroit.

The next day, the Pistons will be back at LCA, facing a daunting challenge against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, on Oct. 26. Detroit has struggled against Boston in recent years, losing nine straight matchups dating back to Feb. 4, 2022, under then-head coach Dwane Casey. Last season, one of their three losses to Boston was particularly painful—a 128-122 overtime defeat on Dec. 28, which extended their losing streak to 28 games, an NBA record.

They’ll host the Celtics again on Feb. 26.

Among the games the Pistons host each season, one that fans consistently mark on their calendars is the matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Over the years, basketball enthusiasts eagerly awaited the chance to see the late Kobe Bryant or, more recently, LeBron James. This year, the Pistons will face James, Anthony Davis, and new head coach JJ Redick at Little Caesars Arena on Nov. 4.

Here are some additional notable matchup:

  • Denver Nuggets: Dec. 28
  • Minnesota Timberwolves: Jan. 4
  • Golden State Warriors: Jan. 9
  • Phoenix Suns: Jan. 18
  • Dallas Mavericks: Jan. 31

Nationally Televised Games

This season, the Pistons are set for four nationally televised games. Three will be shown on NBA TV, and one will air on ESPN. They won’t have any games on TNT, which is ending its run of NBA broadcasts this year.

The first game to catch on the national stage is on Nov. 21, when the Pistons take on the Charlotte Hornets at 7 p.m. Next up is a Jan. 27 matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, also on NBA TV. On Feb. 7, they’ll be hosting the Philadelphia 76ers for their only home game to be shown nationally, with the game starting at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN. Finally, they’ll wrap up their national appearances with a road game on Mar. 3 against the Utah Jazz, tipping off at 9:30 p.m.

Theme Games

Like all NBA teams, the Pistons have found that games centered around a theme resonate well with their fans. This season is no different. On Oct. 26, when they face the Boston Celtics, the game will spotlight Breast Health Awareness, supported by Henry Ford Health. Their “Hoops for Troops” night, dedicated to honoring military personnel, is set for Nov. 10. As the holiday season approaches, fans can look forward to a bedazzled basketball keychain giveaway, courtesy of Kroger, when the Pistons host the Utah Jazz on Dec. 19.

In January, the Pistons will celebrate First Responders Night on the 16th, with support from BELFOR, and feature Bobblehead Nights on the 18th and 31st. Feb. 2 will bring Kids Day, where children can receive a Hooper plush toy, thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. HBCU/NPHC Night on Feb. 7 will be supported by Huntington Bank.

March will be packed with special events, starting with Women’s Empowerment Night on the 1st, including a flower giveaway sponsored by Ally. On Mar. 13, the Pistons will celebrate 313 Day with a 313 Chain giveaway, also provided by Ally. Another Bobblehead Night will follow on Mar. 15.

The season will wrap up with Pride Night on Mar. 28, offering a Pride-themed giveaway from Allegiant Air. A notable highlight is the Apr. 7 game against the Sacramento Kings, which will focus on Mental Health Awareness, powered by Henry Ford Health. The season concludes with Fan Appreciation Night on Apr. 11, featuring replica buffs sunglasses from Hutch’s Jewelry.

In-Season Tournament

This season marks the second year of the Emirates NBA In-Season Tournament, which runs concurrently with the regular season. After competing in East Group A last year, the Pistons will now battle in East Group B. But, like last season, they’re up against a challenging four-game lineup.

The Pistons will begin their tournament journey on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m., hosting the Miami Heat at Little Caesars Arena. Then, just a few days later on Nov. 15, they’ll hit the road to face the Toronto Raptors, with another 7 p.m. tip-off. Their third tournament game takes place on Nov. 29, when they travel to Indiana to take on the Pacers at 8 p.m. Finally, they’ll wrap up their tournament play on Dec. 3, hosting the Milwaukee Bucks at LCA, with a 7 p.m. start time.

Here is the Detroit Pistons’ full 2024-25 schedule:

October

- Wed 10/23/24 vs. Indiana, 7:00 PM

- Fri 10/25/24 at Cleveland, 7:30 PM

- Sat 10/26/24 vs. Boston, 7:00 PM

- Mon 10/28/24 at Miami, 7:30 PM

- Wed 10/30/24 at Philadelphia, 7:00 PM

November

- Fri 11/01/24 vs. New York, 7:00 PM

- Sun 11/03/24 at Brooklyn, 3:30 PM

- Mon 11/04/24 vs. L.A. Lakers, 7:30 PM

- Wed 11/06/24 at Charlotte, 7:00 PM

- Fri 11/08/24 vs. Atlanta, 7:00 PM

- Sun 11/10/24 vs. Houston, 3:00 PM

- Tue 11/12/24 vs. Miami, 7:00 PM

- Wed 11/13/24 at Milwaukee, 8:00 PM

- Fri 11/15/24 at Toronto, 7:00 PM

- Sun 11/17/24 at Washington, 6:00 PM

- Mon 11/18/24 vs. Chicago, 7:00 PM

- Thu 11/21/24 at Charlotte, 7:00 PM (NBATV)

- Sat 11/23/24 at Orlando, 7:00 PM

- Mon 11/25/24 vs. Toronto, 7:00 PM

- Wed 11/27/24 at Memphis, 8:00 PM

- Fri 11/29/24 at Indiana, 8:00 PM

- Sat 11/30/24 vs. Philadelphia, 7:00 PM

December

- Tue 12/03/24 vs. Milwaukee, 7:00 PM

- Wed 12/04/24 at Boston, 7:30 PM

- Sat 12/07/24 at New York, 7:30 PM

- Thu 12/19/24 vs. Utah, 7:00 PM

- Sat 12/21/24 at Phoenix, 9:00 PM

- Mon 12/23/24 at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 PM

- Thu 12/26/24 at Sacramento, 10:00 PM

- Sat 12/28/24 at Denver, 9:00 PM

January

- Wed 01/01/25 vs. Orlando, 7:00 PM

- Fri 01/03/25 vs. Charlotte, 7:00 PM

- Sat 01/04/25 vs. Minnesota, 7:00 PM

- Mon 01/06/25 vs. Portland, 7:00 PM

- Wed 01/08/25 at Brooklyn, 7:30 PM

- Thu 01/09/25 vs. Golden State, 7:00 PM

- Sat 01/11/25 vs. Toronto, 7:00 PM

- Mon 01/13/25 at New York, 7:30 PM

- Thu 01/16/25 vs. Indiana, 7:00 PM

- Sat 01/18/25 vs. Phoenix, 5:00 PM

- Mon 01/20/25 at Houston, 2:00 PM

- Wed 01/22/25 at Atlanta, 7:30 PM

- Sat 01/25/25 at Orlando, 7:00 PM

- Mon 01/27/25 at Cleveland, 7:00 PM (NBATV)

- Wed 01/29/25 at Indiana, 7:00 PM

- Fri 01/31/25 vs. Dallas, 7:00 PM

February

- Sun 02/02/25 vs. Chicago, 3:00 PM

- Mon 02/03/25 vs. Atlanta, 7:00 PM

- Wed 02/05/25 vs. Cleveland, 7:00 PM

- Fri 02/07/25 vs. Philadelphia, 7:30 PM (ESPN)

- Sun 02/09/25 vs. Charlotte, 1:00 PM

- Tue 02/11/25 at Chicago, 8:00 PM

- Wed 02/12/25 at Chicago, 8:00 PM

- Fri 02/21/25 at San Antonio, 8:30 PM

- Sun 02/23/25 at Atlanta, 6:00 PM

- Mon 02/24/25 vs. L.A. Clippers, 7:00 PM

- Wed 02/26/25 vs. Boston, 7:00 PM

- Fri 02/28/25 vs. Denver, 7:00 PM

March

- Sat 03/01/25 vs. Brooklyn, 7:00 PM

- Mon 03/03/25 at Utah, 9:30 PM (NBATV)

- Wed 03/05/25 at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 PM

- Sat 03/08/25 at Golden State, 8:30 PM

- Sun 03/09/25 at Portland, 9:00 PM

- Tue 03/11/25 vs. Washington, 7:00 PM

- Thu 03/13/25 vs. Washington, 7:00 PM

- Sat 03/15/25 vs. Oklahoma City, 7:00 PM

- Mon 03/17/25 at New Orleans, 8:00 PM

- Wed 03/19/25 at Miami, 7:30 PM

- Fri 03/21/25 at Dallas, 8:30 PM

- Sun 03/23/25 vs. New Orleans, 3:00 PM

- Tue 03/25/25 vs. San Antonio, 7:00 PM

- Fri 03/28/25 vs. Cleveland, 7:00 PM

- Sun 03/30/25 at Minnesota, 7:00 PM

April

- Wed 04/02/25 at Oklahoma City, 8:00 PM

- Fri 04/04/25 at Toronto, 7:30 PM

- Sat 04/05/25 vs. Memphis, 7:00 PM

- Mon 04/07/25 vs. Sacramento, 7:00 PM

- Thu 04/10/25 vs. New York, 7:00 PM

- Fri 04/11/25 vs. Milwaukee, 7:00 PM

- Sun 04/13/25 at Milwaukee, 1:00 PM

For those looking to purchase tickets, they can be found by visiting pistons.com/tickets.

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