On Sunday, April 19, the Detroit Pistons will tip off their 2026 NBA Playoffs series. Game 1 will begin at 6:30 PM ET on NBC.
While the first outing details were revealed right after the conclusion of the regular season this past Sunday, the NBA finally announced the full schedule on Tuesday night, following the start of the NBA Play-In Tournament.
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 05: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons plays against the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena on January 05, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Here’s a look at the full schedule:
- GAME 1: Sunday, April 19 – 6:30 PM ET on NBC
- GAME 2: Wednesday, April 22 – 7 PM ET on ESPN
- GAME 3: Saturday, April 25 – 1 PM ET on PEACOCK
- GAME 4: Monday, April 27 – TBD
- GAME 5: Wednesday, April 29 – TBD
- GAME 6: Friday, May 1 – TBD
- GAME 7: Sunday, May 3 – TBD
The Pistons Are Waiting For An Opponent
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 17: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons points skyward before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
This season, the Pistons finished with the Eastern Conference’s first seed. Being the only team with 60 wins in the conference (60-22 record), the Pistons won’t get the advantage of knowing their opponent right away.
In fact, they will prepare for the first round without an idea until Friday night, at the earliest. While the Pistons are likely doing a little preparation on all of the possibilities, they won’t have a clear idea until their Saturday session.
The Pistons have three potential opponents left. After the Miami Heat were eliminated from postseason contention on Tuesday, the Charlotte Hornets became an option. On Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers will face the Orlando Magic.
The winner of that game will claim a first-round series against the Boston Celtics.
The loser will face the Hornets on Friday night and battle for a first-round showing against the Detroit Pistons.
GettyTORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 15: Wendell Moore Jr. #14 of the Detroit Pistons talks with teammate Cade Cunningham #2 during the Emirates NBA Cup game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 15, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images)
Just last year, the Pistons entered the playoffs as the sixth seed. Unfortunately, they came up short against the New York Knicks in six games. This year, the Pistons are looking forward to potentially making a much deeper run.
This weekend, the real journey begins for the Pistons, who have been looking forward to this playoff game for a while. After all, they were the first team to clinch a seed.