Two years ago, their record at that break was even worse. The NBA resumes play after the All-Star Game on Thursday, and the Pistons—a franchise that last won a playoff series in 2008—will begin the night with the best record in the league, just ahead of the defending champion, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Four years ago, the Detroit Pistons had the worst record in franchise history at the All-Star Game break. How Detroit closes out the season, and if they can hold onto that first place, is one of the most compelling storylines in the final stretch of the NBA campaign—with two-thirds of the year already completed and teams ready to sprint toward the playoffs or toward the bottom in search of better odds in the draft lottery. You may be interestedReal Madrid defeats Benfica 1-0 and takes a firm step to advance to the next stageFebruary 17, 2026Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey returns to the octagonFebruary 17, 2026Aaron Judge, displeased by the lack of signings from the YankeesFebruary 17, 2026Sporting San Miguelito prepares for the first leg in the Concacaf Champions CupFebruary 17, 2026Logan Allen is excited to play for Panama in the World Baseball ClassicFebruary 17, 2026The same was probably not expected of the Pistons. Detroit is 40-13; Oklahoma City is 42-14. The Thunder were expected to be here.
