Our NBA playoff picture is almost set. In Friday’s win-or-go-home contest, the Magic came out victorious, sending the Hornets packing. As a reward for their survival, they get a first-round date with the Detroit Pistons. Life ain’t fair for the lower seeds. Now it’s time to break down this series, with a prediction and a pick for this Eastern Conference first-round matchup.
The Pistons are -425 to win the series, while the Magic are +340 underdogs on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Let’s dig into a preview and prediction for this first-round playoff series.
Pistons vs. Magic preview, prediction
Detroit Pistons
Somehow, it feels like the ascension of the Detroit Pistons has been under-discussed. In the 2023-24 season, the Pistons were far and away the worst team in the league, winning a paltry 14 games. They more than tripled that total the next season under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, jumping from 15th in the East to sixth, and putting on a great effort against the New York Knicks in the first round. Now they’ve taken another leap, winning 60 games and taking control of the East. Fifteenth to first in two seasons is remarkable.
It begins with a defense that has a claim for the top unit in the league. Ausar Thompson is on the short list for best perimeter defenders in the league; Isaiah Stewart is one of the best defensive bigs you’ll find. Jalen Duren has taken a huge leap on both ends of the floor, turning into a 20-10 machine who can protect the paint at a high level. Offensively, it all revolves around Cade Cunningham, who looked like a legitimate MVP candidate all season long.
But, for a No. 1 seed, we have a lot of questions. Is the Cunningham-Duren two-man game enough to anchor an offense? Can this defense continue to put the screws on the best teams in the league? Personally, I am over-the-moon excited to see how this team translates to playoff ball. Now we get to find out.
Orlando Magic
Finally, we saw this Magic offense come to life. After a rough season filled with injuries and offensive inefficiency, it looked like doom after a low-scoring loss to the Sixers in the 7-8 matchup. With the season on the line, we finally got to see what this Magic team can do. They shut down a potent Hornets offense early, holding them to 15 first-quarter points, while putting up 38 of their own. That set the tone for a blowout in a do-or-die game, and might have Pistons fans a bit worried.
Getting Franz Wagner back, who missed 48 regular-season games, has this team believing. A healthy Jalen Suggs (25 games missed) doesn’t hurt either. Desmond Bane had an incredible first year in Orlando. They have the infrastructure to have a great defense, as we saw all season long. But, as always, the question is: what will Paolo Banchero do?
His performance against the Sixers was a disaster. Banchero shot 7/22 from the floor, missing all five threes, scoring 18 points. He also had six turnovers to four assists. That inefficiency sunk them on a night where the offense couldn’t get it going. If they get Good Paolo often enough, this series could be interesting. But too much Bad Paolo, and this series is over.
Now we know these teams a bit better. What is the best way to bet this series?
Pistons vs. Magic Best Bets
Detroit Pistons Series Spread -2.5 Games (+110)
Series Correct Score After 3 Games: Detroit 3-0 (+210)
Let’s get two ways to bet on a Detroit blowout here. By every measure, the Orlando is just a worse version of what the Pistons have done. Its lead creator is worse, its passing is more of an issue, and the defense can’t hit the highs that Detroit’s can. Some of these games may get ugly, but Detroit is too good in the clutch to choke them away. I expect a lot of tough nights for this Orlando offense that ultimately doom their season.
Pistons vs. Magic FAQ
When is Game 1 of Pistons vs. Magic?
Game 1 of the Pistons vs. Magic series will take place on Sunday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Where is Game 1 of Pistons vs. Magic?
Game 1 will be held at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, with the Pistons holding home-court advantage in the series.
How many games is the Pistons vs. Magic series?
This is a best-of-seven series between the Pistons and Magic. The first team to win four games will move on to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
