The East Runs Through 76ers Or The Pistons Game Preview: 76ers Vs. Detroit November 4th, 2026

There are regular season games like Tuesday's win over Chicago, then there are games that show the true identity of a championship hopeful, or in this case two championship hopefuls. 

Wednesday evening's event between the Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons is the second of four times these teams will tip off against one another, with Detroit unfortunately winning the last matchup. In my opinion either Detroit or Philadelphia will represent the Eastern Conference in this summer's NBA Finals. 

Philadelphia has gotten off to its best start in what feels like a millenia, silencing doubters and early season “one ball to go around” skeptics. 

Meanwhile in Detroit, Michigan, the Pistons are trying to prove they are not a one trick pony. 

In reality, neither team has anything to prove to the bottom feeders of the East, but the question remains: Are the Sixers ready to separate themselves from legitimate contenders? 

The Sixers have been playing the best basketball I have ever witnessed them play in my entire 28 years on this Earth. The combination of elite talent, improving chemistry, and an all for one mentality may be one of the best stories basketball has seen since the 73-9 Warriors. No, I am not saying or even predicting the Sixers will break that record. It is so mathematically impossible that even Vegas sportsbooks won't allow someone to bet on it. 

November basketball does not win you a championship in June, a winning streak does not secure the one seed in the east, and there are still questions to be had about Philadelphia's depth at center, but the expectations are not going anywhere. 

Detroit gives Philadelphia the chance to prove they are long term favorites to come out of the East on top. Reminder: The first meet up did not feature either Lebron James or Joel Embiid. 

Philadelphia needs this win for some self validation amongst fans, and teammates alike. 

However you look at tomorrow's high powered match up, nobody is hoisting a trophy, but it offers something much more valuable than another notch in the win column. If the Sixers win, it proves a point to the entire league. 

Philadelphia is not worried about Detroit, the 76ers are trying to prove an arrogant point that they very much deserve to have. 

10 9 8 76ers. 

Photo Creds: Philadelphia Inquirer