Detroit Pistons surge to 2-0 on their western road trip after outlasting the Sacramento Kings, but fourth-quarter slippage raises questions about their late-game focus. Can Cade Cunningham and company tighten up their execution and maintain their reputation as one of the NBA's best clutch teams?

Ku Khahil spotlights aggressive play from Ausar Thompson, Isaiah Stewart, and Jalen Duren that’s elevating the Pistons’ top-10 offense and relentless possession battles on the glass. The podcast breaks down Detroit’s evolving offensive arsenal, Stewart’s dramatic improvement finishing at the rim, and key trends in late-game defense. Plus, the ongoing saga of Jaden Ivey’s minutes—with revealing comments from JB Bickerstaff—adds intrigue to the Pistons’ rotation decisions. Will maintaining this aggression unlock new heights for Detroit, or could lineup tension disrupt their momentum?

DoorDash
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Robinhood
You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move.

All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson highlight Locked On’s 2023 NBA Mock Draft special! The San Antonio Spurs luck into another generational prospect while the Charlotte Hornets waste no time grabbing the big name they need. Overtime Elite and the G-League Ignite rewrite NBA Draft Top-5 history and the Thompson Brother, Amen Thompson, and Ausar Thompson both fly off the board.

Locked On's NBA Mock Draft Special is here and it's bigger than ever! Led by the dynamic trio of NBA expert Kylen Mills, NBA Draft expert Rafael Barlowe, and College Basketball expert Isaac Schade at the anchor desk; alongside dozens of local Locked On team experts as GMs, you'll get unparalleled insight from the war rooms of each first-round team in an ultimate mock draft experience only Locked On can deliver. Additional analysis provided by NBA Big Board hosts Lief Thulin and Richard Stamen alongside NBA Insider Howard Beck.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Detroit Pistons barely escape the Portland Trail Blazers after squandering a 21-point lead—can their young core become clutch under pressure? Ku Khahil breaks down the dramatic 110-102 victory, spotlighting Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson’s pivotal late-game heroics, relentless rebounding, and defensive prowess. The heated atmosphere, Cade Cunningham’s unexpected foul out, and Portland’s domination at the free-throw line add layers to the Pistons’ resilience and composure.

Key topics include Duren’s breakout third quarter, Thompson’s elite versatility in defensive roles, and the growing debate surrounding Jaden Ivey’s limited minutes down the stretch. Insights cover head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s rotation decisions, mounting trust concerns in the Pistons’ ball handling, and implications for the team’s future lineup. Are Detroit’s foundational pieces ready for bigger roles, or does the roster need an urgent shakeup to avoid repeat pitfalls?

DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here:https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

Robinhood
You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move.

All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Detroit Pistons crush Charlotte Hornets behind Cade Cunningham’s stunning triple-double—are we witnessing an MVP-level leap? Ku Khahil explores how Cunningham’s improvements in turnovers, isolation scoring, and free-throw rate have propelled Detroit to the top of the Eastern Conference. With Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson making defensive headlines and Duncan Robinson’s elite shooting silencing critics, the Pistons’ recipe for success grows more convincing each week.

Key topics include the ongoing dilemma in the guard rotation between Caris LeVert and Jaden Ivey, whose on-court chemistry is holding Detroit back in key moments. With a daunting Western road trip ahead, roster decisions loom large: will the front office shake up the lineup or pursue potential trades? Ku Khahil delivers deep statistical insights and asks whether this young Pistons core, led by a rejuvenated Cunningham, is ready for long-term contention.

EVERYDAYER CLUB: lockedonpistons.supercast.com

SUBSTACK: kukhahil.substack.com

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DoorDash

From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.

Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.

DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

PrizePicks

Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

Robinhood

You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move.

All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.