The Detroit Pistons' performance so far adds up to a strong midseason report card, with more than a few A's up and down the roster.

As they get set to meet on Monday night, here are three reasons the Pistons and Celtics are atop the Eastern Conference.

The Detroit Pistons weren't supposed to be the top team in the Eastern Conference. The Boston Celtics were supposed to be in a transition year after shedding salary last offseason.

Duncan Robinson and Cade Cunningham each scored 16 points in limited minutes as the Detroit Pistons routed the shorthanded Indiana Pacers 121-78 on Saturday night at Little Caesars Arena.The 43-point margin matched the ninth-biggest win in Pistons franchise history.

The Detroit Pistons are the top seed in the East and despite massive success, there has been a ton of talk as to whether or not they will make a trade ahead of

Payton Pritchard missed the blowout victory over the Hawks, but he could return for the Pistons game on Monday.

“He’s growing every game. He’s getting better and better. He’s got a long way to go, but sky is the limit for Ron,” center Jalen Duren said. “He’s only Year 2 and he’s a guy who’s got some playoff experience, he’s a guy who’s helped us get where we are now. I’m just excited to see him continue to grow into the player that he’s going to be.”