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The Detroit Pistons opened the season on Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena with a 102-90 win against the Charlotte Hornets and Pistons' owner Tom Gores gave head coach Stan Van Gundy a vote of confidence to open the season. Meeting the media before the game, Gores continued to back Van Gundy as head coach. "Do I believe in Stan? Absolutely," Gores told MLive.com. Van Gundy was named president of basketball operations and head coach in May of 2014 after signing a five-year, $35 million contract. Gores believes the franchise with Van Gundy in charge is heading in the right direction and will make the 2018 NBA playoffs. "My consultants told me not to say we have any expectations, but truth is we do," Gores said. "We have to be competitive. That's what Stan wants. Of course, we want to get into the playoffs. If there's a moment I sit up here and tell you we're not, I think you should fire me." Entering the season, ESPN Insider Kevin Pelton  predicted the Pistons will finish at No. 8 in the Eastern Conference. -- Nick Silva
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