Pistons keep winning — and turning heads

• The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder are the only other team with fewer than 10 losses.

The latest: The Pistons staked their place among the league's elite with Monday's 121-90 thrashing of the rival New York Knicks, who eliminated Detroit from the playoffs last year.

• They followed that up with a 108-93 win over Chicago on Wednesday.

Between the lines: Their hot streak is right on time for local fans who expected to spend their winter rooting for a Lions playoff run.

Catch up quick: After posting the league's worst record two seasons ago, Detroit finally has a winning blend of talent (Cade Cunningham), toughness (Isaiah Stewart) and youth (Ausar Thompson and others).

Yes, but: Some NBA experts think Detroit should make a splashy trade before the league's Feb. 5 deadline to propel its championship push.

• The Eastern Conference is seen as up for grabs, with contenders Boston and Indiana hobbled by injuries.

What they're saying: "Detroit, to me, is the most interesting trade deadline team," The Ringer's Zach Lowe said on his podcast this week. "All common-sense signs point to them making a trade."

• Lowe suggested a trade for New Orleans' Trey Murphy III for outside shooting help.

💭 Joe's thought bubble: The Pistons need more postseason scars before they climb the ladder to a title. The core of this team still hasn't won a playoff series.

What's next: Detroit hosts the L.A. Clippers on Saturday at Little Caesars Arena.

• Tipoff is at 7:30pm and resale tickets are going for less than $40.