Preview: Wizards play Pistons on Thursday in last preseason game

The Washington Wizards are set to play their final preseason game of 2025 against the Detroit Pistons on the road. This matchup will take place on Thursday, October 15 at 7:00 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, and can be viewed on Monumental Sports Network and League Pass.

Injury updates reveal that the Wizards will be missing Bilal Coulibaly due to a thumb issue, while the Pistons have Jaden Ivey, Caris LeVert, and Colby Jones listed as questionable. Cade Cunningham, who sat out the previous game for rest, is expected to return for this contest, potentially giving Detroit a full-strength lineup.

The Wizards aim to carry forward the momentum from their recent 120-107 win over the New York Knicks, where the Knicks opted to bench starters to assess depth. This game against the Pistons, who have shown significant improvement by finishing 44-38 last season and securing a playoff spot, serves as a benchmark for Washington's aspirations to emulate such progress in the near future.

As a preseason finale, this game is likely to simulate regular-season conditions, providing clues about the Wizards' starting lineup and rotational strategies for the 2025-26 campaign. Facing a playoff-caliber team like the Pistons adds weight to the evaluation of Washington's performance and readiness for the upcoming season.