Nothing is certain for the Detroit Pistons. While they currently hold a playoff spot, their lead is slim and could evaporate within days. But the Pistons aren't afraid of the pressure. In fact, it excited head coach Dwane Casey. Via Vince Ells of the Detroit Free Press on Twitter:

Casey led the Toronto Raptors to five consecutive top-four finishes from 2013-18. Despite being named the NBA Coach of the Year, Casey was fired last May. He then signed on with the Pistons, tasked with turning the franchise around. Detroit has made the playoffs only once in the past nine seasons and hasn't finished higher than eighth since 2008.

But so far, Casey has done an incredible job. The Pistons are now in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Their 37-36 record has them in the sixth seed in the East. Their playoff spot is not safe, however. Three other teams – the Brooklyn Nets, Mia, i Heat and Orlando Magic – are within a game and a half. One of the four teams will miss the playoffs. Casey certainly hopes it won't be them.

The Raptors, on the other hand, have continued to thrive in Casey's absence. Toronto, 51-23, holds the second seed in the East and remains one of the best teams in the league.

On Tuesday night, the Pistons are in Denver to take on the Nuggets. At 49-23, Denver holds the second seed in the Western Conference and will be a tough opponent. Detroit's next game – Thursday's contest against the Magic – will come against a direct playoff competitor, making it a pivotal match-up.