The Detroit Pistons will face the Orlando Magic in Game 3 of their first-round Eastern Conference series on Saturday. Detroit hopes to regain the home-court advantage after leaving Motor City with the series tied at 1-1. The Pistons will try to assert their dominance behind their defense against their gritty opponents.
Meanwhile, the Magic are regrouping after a 98-83 beatdown in Game 2 two nights ago. Paolo Banchero and Co. seemed to struggle in the loss after playing a high-stakes battle for the fourth straight game. They looked like they were on fumes starting the third quarter, where the Pistons outscored them 38-16.
Now back at home, Orlando hopes to play with more aggressiveness, physicality and hustle, key ingredients to its Game 1 upset of Detroit.
Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic Odds
Moneyline: Pistons (-145) vs. Magic (+120)
Odds: Pistons (-2.5 -110) vs. Magic (+2.5 -110)
Total (O/U): Pistons (o213.5 -113) vs. Magic (u213.5 -113)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.
Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic Injury Reports
Pistons Injury Report
The Pistons will enter Game 3 with a clean bill of health. Detroit’s injury report is empty ahead of the crucial showdown.
Magic Injury Report
Backup big man Jonathan Isaac is still on the injury report. He is doubtful due to a left knee sprain.
Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic Starting Lineups
Pistons
PG: Cade Cunningham | SG: Ausar Thompson | SF: Duncan Robinson | PF: Tobias Harris | C: Jalen Duren
Magic
SG: Jalen Suggs | SG: Desmond Bane | SF: Franz Wagner | PF: Paolo Banchero | C: Wendell Carter Jr.
Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic Prediction
Detroit won by a double-digit margin, but its offense badly needs a spark. Outside of Cade Cunningham, the Pistons have struggled to get consistent production from the rest of the roster. The All-Star guard is averaging 33.0 points per game while Tobias Harris, the second-best scorer, is posting 16.5 ppg. All-Star center Jalen Duren, after averaging 19.5 ppg in the regular season, has been limited by the Magic defense to 9.5 ppg.
On the road against the Magic, that trend might not change.
Orlando has not been cowed by Detroit’s bruising game and physical play on both ends. In front of the home fans, the Magic will be even more encouraged to beat the Pistons at their own game.
Expect the Magic to either win or cover the +2.5 spread.
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