PISTONS TOP THUNDER NBA POWER RANKINGS SECOND HALF 2026 — Quick Facts
The Detroit Pistons have seized the NBA's best record at 40-13 behind All-Stars Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, fundamentally reshaping the Eastern Conference power structure. Their 17-6 record against winning teams and resilience (11-2 after losses) suggests this is not a flash run but a legitimate championship core, while the Thunder's loss of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to injury and the Cavaliers' aggressive James Harden trade have created a three-team championship race heading into the second half.
Key Data Points
- Cade Cunningham averages 25.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 9.6 assists per game; Pistons 40-13 record is best in NBA
- Pistons 17-6 against .500-or-better teams; only three teams (OKC, San Antonio) have avoided losing streaks longer than two games
- James Harden trade moved Cavaliers' championship odds from 22-1 to 12-1 at DraftKings; Harden scored 15 points in fourth quarter of debut
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed last five games with abdominal injury; Thunder went 2-3 without him while Pistons seized best record
- Thunder rank first in defensive rating (+11.7 real plus-minus) and third in points per game (119.7); face second-toughest strength of schedule
Frequently Asked
- What are the Pistons' stats in the 2025-26 NBA season?
- Detroit holds the best record in the NBA at 40-13. Cade Cunningham averages 25.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 9.6 assists per game. The Pistons are 17-6 against teams at .500 or better and 11-2 after losses.
- Why did the Cavaliers trade Darius Garland for James Harden?
- Cleveland moved on from their 'core four' construct to go all-in on 2026, needing to retain Donovan Mitchell with a summer extension while viewing the Eastern Conference as wide open. Harden's impact has been immediate: 15 points in the fourth quarter of his debut and 22 points in his second game.
- How did the Thunder fall to second place in the NBA standings?
- Oklahoma City went 2-3 in their last five games while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed time with an abdominal injury, allowing Detroit to overtake them for the best record. SGA last played February 3rd.
- How does Detroit's strength of schedule compare to other contenders?
- The Pistons own the seventh-toughest strength of schedule for the second half and fourth-toughest in the Eastern Conference, giving them a favorable path. Oklahoma City has the second-toughest schedule at .541.