NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 29: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles during the third quarter in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2025 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Ausar Thompson and the Detroit Pistons are gearing up for a second-straight run in the NBA Playoffs.

Just two seasons ago, the Pistons were at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with the league’s top lottery odds. These days, they are at the very top of the Eastern Conference, entering the postseason with 60 wins.

Still, there is a bit of an identity issue with the Pistons. Some hoops fans and analysts can’t seem to get by the fact that things have changed in Detroit.

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 29: Ausar Thompson #9 and Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons celebrate after a play during the second half in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2025 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Being the No. 1 seed doesn’t seem to mean much, as the Pistons are steadily doubted when it comes to the idea of being championship contenders. This week, Ausar Thompson responded to that notion.

Ausar Thompson Sends Clear Message To Pistons Doubters

GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – JANUARY 29: Ausar Thompson #9 talks to head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons during the first half /aph at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 29, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

“Everybody got a right to their own opinion,” the defensive standout told reporters.

“We don’t really worry about that. We all believe we could not only come out the East, but win it all. So we just focus on that, focus on ourselves, and let everybody on the outside say what they gotta say.”

Since the 2024-2025 NBA season, this Pistons group, coached by JB Bickerstaff, has displayed a loud confidence. They believed they could go from winning 14 games to making the playoffs, and they did as a sixth seed.

Nobody predicted the Pistons would lead the Eastern Conference, but the team claimed they could win it all. So far, they are on the right path.

Who’s Up First?

MIAMI, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 28: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball past Davion Mitchell #45 of the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on October 28, 2025 in Miami, Florida. 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 Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

The Pistons are the only playoff team in the Eastern Conference without an opponent for the first round. That will change on Friday night.

The final NBA Play-In games are set to take place, with the Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic tipping off at 7:30 PM ET.

Detroit’s first-round opponent will be the winner, with the loser packing their bags. If the Pistons take care of business in the first round, they would face the winner of the Cleveland Cavaliers versus Toronto Raptors series.

Game 1 for Thompson and the Pistons begins at 6:30 PM ET on Sunday, April 19.