Pistons vs. Magic preview: Another important game for Detroit in Orlando

The Magic are getting healthier as the Pistons surge

The Detroit Pistons ’ surprising playoff push continues with a game against a fellow postseason hopeful, the Orlando Magic. The difference here, of course, is the Pistons are looking to make noise in the playoffs for the first time in years.

The Magic are trying to do it again.

Orlando won 47 games and the Southeast Division in coach Jamahl Mosley’s first at the helm, falling in the first round in a hard-fought seven-game series against now-Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff and the Cleveland Cavaliers .

The Magic have dealt with an unreal rash of injuries early in the season, but are finally getting healthy with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner back in action.

Game Vitals

Where: Kia Center in Orlando, FL
When: Saturday, January 25 at 7:00 pm EST
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons +3.5

Analysis

Two rising teams in the Eastern Conference will square off for the third time this season after the Magic knocked off Detroit 111-100 in November before the Pistons answered back with a 105-96 win on New Year’s Day.

That last game, you may remember, was Jaden Ivey’s last. That was the day Cole Anthony barreled into him diving for a loose ball, breaking his leg and likely ending his season.

I thought Detroit would crater after that crushing moment, but they held on to win that game and have won 8 of 11 since that afternoon.

The Magic currently sit one game behind the Pistons in the standings and have lost five-straight games — most recently an ugly 101-79 game at home against Portland. I’d say they’re ripe for the picking here, but… they’re not.

Wagner, arguably their best player and one of the best players from the 2021 draft, returned after a month-long stint on the sidelines with an oblique injury. He scored 20 as he shook off the rust. I would imagine that’ll continue tomorrow against a Pistons team that he’s tormented at times over the past two seasons with 30- and 38-point games against Detroit in their last four matchups.

It’s a big opportunity for the Pistons pesky front court to show its improvements on the defensive end. Ron Holland and Ausar Thompson will have their hands full with Wagner, but I like the limitless athleticism Bickerstaff can throw out there in that matchup.

Isaiah Stewart and Tobias Harris will have to be on their game defensively to handle Banchero, who is coming off a 1-for-14 shooting performance. He’s slowly amping up his minutes after a lengthy injury, but still can do a little bit of everything.

Detroit has really picked up steam since the calendar flipped to 2025, and this moment in their last game against the Magic has kind of stuck out. It’s not only a sign of the budding chemistry and camaraderie this team has, but a prime example of the defensive effort and commitment they’ve shown — something lacking in these parts over the last, say, decade:

I’m excited for this one. The Pistons’ hot start has been overshadowed by the Detroit Lions ’ historic season. With the Lions out of the picture after their ugly loss to the Washington Commanders last week, there’s a real chance for the Pistons to win back some fans.

Tonight would be a good one to show some of the casual fans what Detroit Basketball looks like in 2025 — with another win.

Lineups

Orlando Magic (23-23): Anthony Black, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Wendell Carter Jr., Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero

Detroit Pistons (23-21): Cade Cunningham, Tim Hardaway Jr, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Question of the Day

Now healthy, can the Magic overtake the Pistons in the playoff chase?