Pistons, Surging Toward Playoffs, Visit Struggling Pacers INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Detroit Pistons, boasting the NBA’s best record, look to continue their dominant season when they visit the lottery-bound Indiana Pacers on Sunday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Detroit (58-22) enters the regular season’s final stretch as the league’s elite, having won 10 of its last 12 games. Their most recent outing was a commanding 137-111 victory over Milwaukee on Wednesday, led by a balanced effort. The Pistons have dominated the season series with Indiana, winning all three meetings by an average margin of 20.3 points, including a 121-78 rout in January. The Pacers (19-61), owners of the league’s worst record, are coming off a rare bright spot: a 123-94 road win over Brooklyn on Thursday. Despite the victory, they have lost eight of their last 11 games. A key matchup will feature Detroit’s emerging star, center Jalen Duren, against Indiana’s forward Obi Toppin. Duren has been a force, averaging 20.1 points and 9.9 rebounds over his last 10 games, including a 31-point, 9-rebound performance against Toronto on March 31. His versatility as a scorer, rebounder and passer has been central to Detroit’s success. Toppin has provided intermittent sparks for Indiana, scoring 26 points in just 19 minutes during the win over Brooklyn. He averaged 15.3 points over his last three games, but consistency has been an issue for the Pacers throughout a difficult season. While Detroit, led by All-Star guard Cade Cunningham, is fine-tuning its game for a deep playoff run, the Pacers are playing for pride and evaluation in the season’s final days. The Pistons’ superior talent, depth and recent history of overwhelming Indiana make them heavy favorites. The game tips off at 7 p.m. EDT Sunday in Indianapolis.