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Pistons open with win as Cavs and Bulls lock in youth — Central Division roundup
The Pistons start their season with a win over Boston, while the Bulls and Cavaliers move to secure key young pieces for the long term in the Central Division.
By the PickALeague Newsroom · Published · Source: PickALeagueSummary written with AI assistance — how we workLire en français →
Pistons make an early statement on opening day
The 2026-27 NBA season tipped off with the Detroit Pistons in the spotlight. In the first game of opening night’s triple-header, Detroit knocked off the Boston Celtics 121-113, giving the Pistons a 1-0 start and an ideal launch to their Central Division campaign.
Beyond the scoreboard, Detroit handled important business with one of its key prospects. According to Hoops Rumors, the Pistons have exercised their rookie scale team option on Ron Holland for the 2027-28 season. The No. 5 pick in the 2024 draft is entering his third NBA year and is set to earn roughly $9.1MM this season, with the option decision further cementing the organization’s commitment to him.
Hoops Rumors also notes that Javonte Green’s one-year, $3.95MM deal this summer largely flew under the radar despite him appearing in all 82 games last season for a 60-win team. On Tuesday, the wing made sure people noticed him in a Pistons uniform, immediately reinforcing the value of that quiet offseason move.
Bulls invest in Buzelis and Essengue
In Chicago, the focus is on locking in the young core. As reported by Hoops Rumors, the Chicago Bulls have exercised the fourth-year option on Matas Buzelis’ rookie scale deal and the third-year option on Noa Essengue’s contract, both covering the 2027-28 season. Buzelis, the 11th overall pick in 2024, has emerged as a significant long-term piece. The Bulls remain at 0-0 for now, but their cap sheet already reflects a clear direction.
Cavaliers: edge, security, and a setback
The Cleveland Cavaliers, also yet to play and sitting at 0-0, are taking similar steps to stabilize their roster. Per Hoops Rumors, the team has officially picked up the fourth-year rookie scale option on Jaylon Tyson, locking in his 2027-28 salary after his upcoming season had already been fully guaranteed.
On the floor, the Cavs are hoping for an injection of edge. Forward Peyton Watson, acquired from the Nuggets in a sign-and-trade, told Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, via Hoops Rumors, that he wants to bring a hard-nosed, no-nonsense mentality he hopes the team will embrace.
There is less encouraging news on the health front. The Cavaliers announced, as relayed by Hoops Rumors, that Nae’Qwan Tomlin has been diagnosed with a lower back stress reaction and will be reevaluated in approximately three to four weeks, delaying his 2026-27 debut.