Detroit Pistons schedule 2013: Key battles allude to playoff readiness

Detroit wasn't willing to wait for young stars to develop. It wasn't going to sit out this offseason to miss another postseason. This summer, the Pistons signed Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith to pair with Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe, two young frontcourt players with bright futures.

Nov. 20 at Atlanta -- Smith spent nine seasons with the Atlanta Hawks and the return to his former team and hometown will likely be bittersweet for the versatile forward. Smith left a franchise on the reboot and joined a Pistons squad vying for the playoff spot that Atlanta often held. The Hawks replaced Smith with Paul Millsap and still have a good deal of talent, so the outcome of such as matchup could make a difference in the playoff race.

Dec. 4 at Milwaukee -- Jennings will return to the only other NBA city he's known. The point guard could never break some bad habits as a member of the Bucks, and his ability to lead a winning team has been questioned. He can change that perception against Milwaukee and former Detroit guard Brandon Knight, who was acquired in the sign-and-trade that sent Jennings to the Pistons.

Jan. 20 vs. Clippers -- While Clippers big men Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan are considered ahead of the Pistons' young frontcourt, they are likewise growing on the defensive end. Jordan is especially working to develop a consistent appetite for protecting the paint. Drummond and Monroe could learn a bit from the Los Angeles duo -- or they could attack their elders to make a statement.

March 3 vs. Knicks -- If the Pistons really want to make a case as contenders in the Eastern Conference, winning a battle against the New York Knicks would surely receive some attention. In terms of entertainment value, few collisions between two teams could be more awkward. The matchups in the frontcourt -- Carmelo Anthony and Smith, Tyson Chandler facing Drummond, then Andrea Bargnani against Greg Monroe -- will be the best part.