The Detroit Pistons will try to strike back in Game 2 of their Round 1 series against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. The Magic drew first blood in the series with a 112-101 win over Detroit on Sunday night, a game that was extremely physical in a top vs. underdog battle.
Heading into this series, one of the biggest questions surrounding the Pistons was whether or not they’d be able to maintain their top-seeded momentum and turn up the heat when it mattered most. Turns out, being the No. 1 seed doesn’t mean a thing in the playoffs.
Much like Game 1, it’s going to come down to which team can capitalize on its chances on both ends. Expect another physical and tense matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons Odds
Moneyline: Magic (+300) vs Pistons (-380)
Spread: Magic +8.5 (-105) vs Pistons -8.5 (-115)
Total (O/U): Magic o218.5 (-110) vs Pistons u218.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons Preview
The Pistons weren’t sharp in Game 1, with Cade Cunningham being the only bright spot with game-high 39 points. The rest of the team combined for just 62 points while shooting a dismal 36.0% from the field. They struggled to generate quality looks and repeatedly got caught in the Magic’s defensive traps.
Aside from Cunningham, only Tobias Harris reached double figures with 17 points, as the rest of the roster endured a rough night offensively. It’s now on head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and the players to adjust, and they’ll have a chance to do that in Game 2.
With the Magic entering the series as overwhelming underdogs, Orlando did a great job proving they can compete by matching the Pistons’ physicality, keeping the game close, and relying on strong defense.
Unlike the Pistons, all of the Magic starters finished in double figures. Paolo Banchero led the team with 23 points and nine rebounds, while Franz Wagner added 19 points. Desmond Bane and Wendell Carter Jr. combined for 34 points, and Jalen Suggs chipped in with 16.
Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons Injury Reports
Orlando Magic Injury Report
Jonathan Isaac is the only player listed on the Magic’s injury report for Game 2. He is day-to-day with a knee injury.
Detroit Pistons Injury Report
Much like their opponents, the Pistons also enter the game with a clean bill of health, with no players listed on their injury report.
Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons Starting Lineups
Magic
PG: Jalen Suggs | SG: Desmond Bane | SF: Franz Wagner | PF: Paolo Banchero | C: Wendell Carter Jr.
Pistons
PG: Cade Cunningham | SG: Duncan Robinson | SF: Ausar Thompson | PF: Tobias Harris | C: Jalen Duren
Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons Prediction
Oddsmakers list Detroit as an 8.5-point home favorite. The Game 1 loss may have taken a toll on them, both physically and emotionally. However, they’ll be expected to bounce back, correct their mistakes, and even the first-round series at 1-1 before heading to Orlando.
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