The Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic will play Game 4 of their first-round series on Monday. Detroit and Orlando are coming off a highly entertaining and thrilling Game 3 showdown, where the Pistons fell short. The Pistons rallied from a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit two nights ago, but the Magic eventually outlasted their visitors 113-105 for a 2-1 series lead.
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said after the loss that he had confidence his team had the “material to study” and “improve” for Monday’s crucial encounter. A loss by the Pistons will put them in an unenviable spot before the series returns to Detroit for Game 5.
Meanwhile, the Magic must be careful even when building significant leads, as the Pistons are more than capable of pulling off come-from-behind wins. Orlando needs more clutch performances from Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane and Franz Wagner to put the No. 1-seeded Eastern Conference team on the brink of elimination.
Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic Odds
Moneyline: Pistons (-155) vs. Magic (+125)
Odds: Pistons (-3.5 -107) vs. Magic (+3.5 -112)
Total (O/U): Pistons (o214.5 -104) vs. Magic (u214.5 -112)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.
Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic Injury Reports
Pistons Injury Report
Backup shooting guard Kevin Huerter, who hasn’t played much in the series, is questionable due to left hip soreness.
Magic Injury Report
Jonathan Isaac remains the only Magic player on the team’s injury report. He is again doubtful due to a left knee sprain.
Desmond Bane, who was seemingly in discomfort due to what looked like a hamstring issue in Game 3, isn’t on the Magic injury report.
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: Desmond Bane | SG: Jalen Suggs | SF: Franz Wagner | PF: Paolo Banchero | C: Wendell Carter Jr.
Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic Prediction
The Magic continue to negate the Pistons’ often undeniable advantage in size, physicality and athleticism. Orlando’s imposing frontcourt of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. has made life difficult for the Pistons.
Guards Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane are just as gritty and feisty in the perimeter, making the Pistons bleed for every point.
The Magic will only be more confident after withstanding the Pistons’ late rally in Game 3. Orlando seemingly took Detroit’s best punch in the series and still came out on top.
Expect Banchero and Co. to win or cover the +3.5 spread.
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