Taking a trip south of the border for the NBA’s 2025 Mexico City game, the Detroit Pistons (3-2) are looking to topple a banged up Dallas Mavericks (2-3) squad while also keeping pace in the Central Division. At the moment, the Chicago Bulls hold a slight lead in the Central, but the Pistons are confident they can compete for the division crown this season.

Now, for the first time in several years, the Pistons have a reason to be confident as the team has forged a clear and direct physical, hard-working identity during its climb from the cellar to the postseason. That turnaround did not happen overnight, and Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart was there for every part of the team’s marked improvement. 

So far this season, Stewart has established himself as a force in the paint for the Pistons once again, this time with a much-improved three-point shot. Stewart, who is connected from deep at a 58.3% clip, has asserted himself in Detroit’s offense and is averaging 9.2 points per game to go along with his impactful defensive contributions. And with a more consistent outside shot, Stewart is able to space the floor when he’s not slamming lob passes from Cade Cunningham through the rim. 

Stewart will have another opportunity to showcase his still-growing offensive skillset on Saturday night against the Mavs. 

“It’s very exciting,” Stewart said on Friday. “We have some great team camaraderie right now, great energy. We’re ready to do it tomorrow. We’re ready to get down to it and play some Detroit basketball in Mexico.”

With a business-like approach to the matchup with Detroit’s Western Conference foe, Stewart knows that he has a special opportunity to play basketball for the Pistons outside of the United States this weekend. 

“It’ll be a great memory,” Stewart said. “Obviously being the longest tenured Piston and being in my sixth year, this will be something I will be able to look back on, us playing here in Mexico. It’ll be a great memory, great trip and we’ll just be able to represent the franchise down here in a different country. It’s just a great opportunity.”

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At the moment, the Pistons have a bit of momentum after picking up a decisive 19-point victory over the Magic on Wednesday night. In that game, Stewart logged nine points and grabbed four rebounds with two blocks and one assist before fouling out. Beef Stew was efficient in the contest, though, shooting 80% from the field while connecting on a shot from behind the arc in the process. 

From an official bookkeeping perspective, Detroit’s game against Dallas on Saturday night will be ruled a home game for the Pistons, though it obviously will take place far outside of Michigan. Tip-off for the contest is spared for 10 pm and is available to watch on Peacock. 

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