Cade Cunningham, Pistons Dominate Knicks as Celtics Win to Shake Up NBA Standings

Don't look now, but the Jayson Tatum-less Boston Celtics are the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference standings.

Boston moved into the No. 2 spot thanks to its 115-101 victory over the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons' 121-90 blowout win over the New York Knicks. The Celtics are now 23-12 on the campaign, while the Knicks fell to 23-13.

Here is a look at the top of the Eastern Conference standings:

1. Detroit Pistons, 27-9
2. Boston Celtics, 23-12
3. New York Knicks, 23-13
4. Toronto Raptors, 21-15
5. Philadelphia 76ers, 19-14
6. Orlando Magic, 20-16

It should be noted the regular season isn't even halfway over yet. The standings are sure to change a number of times before the postseason, and it could be the Knicks right back in the No. 2 spot after each team plays their next game.

However, the two Eastern Conference rivals are trending in opposite directions at this point of the campaign.

Boston has now won four in a row and eight of its last nine. The Portland Trail Blazers are the only team to have beaten the Celtics during that span.

Things are going much differently for the Knicks, who have now lost four in a row following the latest defeat. This was also their third straight loss by double digits, as the Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks also handled them with relative ease.

Both the Knicks and Celtics are looking up at the surprise Pistons, who improved to a dominant 27-9 overall. Cade Cunningham and Co. are creating some separation in the standings and could have home-court advantage into the NBA Finals come playoff time if they continue to play at this level.

The point guard was excellent in Monday's win with a double-double of 29 points, 13 assists, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal on 11-of-17 shooting from the field and 3-of-4 shooting from deep.

Cunningham has been incredible this season and could be an obstacle for both the Knicks and Celtics in the postseason.