The Magic are getting healthier as the Pistons surge
The year 2025 has been great for the Detroit Pistons , and it all started with a home win against the Orlando Magic. The Pistons have been 9-3 since the calendar turned and have the league’s third-best defense and the eighth-best net rating in the NBA. Tonight, they look to improve to 3-0 on their pivotal five-game road trip.
The Magic are just 3-9 in that same span, beset by a number of injuries to key players this season. While Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are currently back in the lineup, the team will be missing Gary Harris and big men Goga Bitadze and Mo Wagner. The Magic are fielding the NBA’s least efficient offense since Jan. 1, and their 12-ranked defense can only make up so much ground.
This is another prove-it game for the improved Pistons and another game where Cade Cunningham can show out against another of the 2021 NBA Draft’s top members in Franz Wagner. Cunningham beat Jalen Green and the Rockets to start this road trip and bested the Raptors’ Scottie Barnes two weeks ago. After tonight’s game, Cunningham faces a pivotal matchup Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Evan Mobley.
Maybe if the Pistons are able to secure those victories, not only will the Pistons be in prime position for a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference, but some people might finally start believing Cunningham is the best player from his draft class.
Game Vitals
When: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit Extra
Odds: Pistons +3.5
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons
(23-21):
Cade Cunningham, Tim Hardaway Jr, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
Orlando Magic (23-23):
Anthony Black, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Wendell Carter Jr., Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero