But the season has not turned as expected for the Pistons and the Orlando Magic, Detroit's opponent on Friday night at Amway Center in Orlando, Fla.
The Pistons, featuring budding all-star Andre Drummond and promising young players Reggie Jackson, Tobias Harris and Markieff Morris, seemed set to take the next step.
The eventual NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers swept the Pistons in the first round last year, but each game was close. It provided optimism that the Pistons would be an up-and-coming challenger in the Eastern Conference.