A year ago, the Pistons were small across the front line, 15-26 at midseason and had no hope of making the playoffs on their way to 50 losses.

Entering tonight's game at Washington, they're 21-20 -- six games better than last season -- bigger across the front line and have a realistic shot at the playoffs.

"Based on last year I'll take it; based on this year I'll take it," team president Joe Dumars said. "It has been a good start.

"The fast start was great. I think we've gotten beyond the rough part that we hit. The guys seem to have that swagger back a little bit. We're playing with confidence and we seem to be playing more like we did the first month or so of the season."

The Pistons have won four of their past five after starting the season 14-6, then losing 13 of 16. They're battling Philadelphia, Washington, Orlando, Indiana and Charlotte for the last four playoff spots in the East.