If the Central Division-leading Pistons still have any naysayers, the upcoming five-game West Coast swing could go a long way toward silencing them.

It is safe to say there are no gimmes on the trip, with games against the improving Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State, along with toughies Sacramento, Portland and Seattle.

Two victories would be an achievement and three would make it a great trip, although the Pistons aren't looking at it that way.

"We want all five," guard Jerry Stackhouse said. "We don't feel that there's any game where we're at a disadvantage. So we just have to go out there and hoop.

"I know other teams in the Eastern Conference have gone out there and struggled, but I think we bring something different. Some of the teams were perimeter teams and others were more inside-oriented. I think we have the inside-outside game that makes us different from a lot of other teams in the Eastern Conference."