The Detroit Pistons have started the season like a team with a map and a mission. As of Saturday, they stand 6-2, carrying the memory of last spring’s tough seven-game playoff loss to Cleveland. On Monday night, Detroit welcomes the Washington Wizards, a 4-6 team trying to turn young talent into steadier wins after three straight losses.

This game begins with Cade Cunningham, Detroit’s 6-foot-8 creator. Cunningham does not rush possessions. He surveys the floor, uses his size to get past smaller defenders, and finds teammates when defenders close in. His 24 points and 7.6 assists per game show why he is Detroit’s engine: he can finish a play himself or build one for someone else. The Pistons have scored 111.1 points per game because their offense has more room than it had a season ago.

That extra room comes from shooters such as Duncan Robinson and Kevin Huerter, who can pull defenders toward the three-point line. John Collins gives Cunningham a lively target near the rim and can also step outside. Detroit makes 37.8 percent of its threes, far ahead of Washington’s 30.2 percent. That gap matters because open outside shots can loosen up every other part of the court.

Still, the Pistons’ bigger strength is the chaos they create on defense. They average 9.3 steals and 6.5 blocks, using quick hands and long arms to stop plays before they grow. Ausar Thompson is a major part of that work. He grabs 8.6 rebounds per game from the wing, helps move the ball, and can guard all over the floor. Detroit will need that activity with center Jalen Duren listed out as of the latest injury report, even though his expected return date is Monday. His strength around the basket would be valuable against Washington’s tall frontcourt.

The Wizards arrive with a different kind of puzzle. Trae Young leads the attack with 8.9 assists per game, slipping passes through tiny openings and setting up teammates. Anthony Davis, who is listed out with an ankle injury, normally gives Washington a powerful scorer, rebounder, and rim protector. Without him, Alex Sarr’s job becomes even larger. The young center must battle inside while also using his quick feet to help on drives.

Washington also has a thrilling new piece in rookie forward AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 pick. His long strides and ability to create shots offer the Wizards a path toward their future. But the present challenge is protecting the ball and finding cleaner looks after a difficult recent stretch. Detroit’s pressure can make that hard.

The Wizards can keep this close if Young controls the pace and Sarr holds firm near the rim. Yet Detroit has the stronger defense, deeper shooting, and home-court energy. The Pistons should win and continue their fast climb.

Cade Cunningham and Detroit Aim to Keep the Motor Running