It’s win-or-go-home night for the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic as the teams prepare for Game 7. The Pistons are in a familiar position heading into a winner-takes-all matchup against the Magic. The two teams last met in the first round of the 2003 postseason at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Orlando had a 3-1 lead in that series only to see the Pistons take i to the seventh game. Chauncey Billups’ 37-point performance gave the Pistons 108-93 win in Game 7 to salvage the series.
Detroit hopes to replicate that same success at Little Caesars Arena, as it prepares for its first Game 7 since relocating. The Pistons played their best game of the series against the Magic in Game 6 on Friday. Trailing 60-38 entering the second quarter, the Pistons responded with a 31-8 run in the final quarter and a 55-19 advantage in the second half to pull out a 93-79 win and keep their second-round hopes alive.
Cade Cunningham led all scorers with 32 points and 10 rebounds, while Tobias Harris added 22 points and 10 rebounds. Ausar Thompson also contributed with 10 rebounds, along with four blocks and one steal.
As for the Magic, they have no choice but to stay positive heading into Game 7 on the road. After watching their 3-1 lead turn into a 3-3 tie, they will need a near-perfect performance to survive.
After scoring 60 points in the first half, the Magic looked ready to put away the No. 1 seed, but collapsed in the second half, scoring only 19 points. They missed 23 consecutive shots, 27 of their final 28 field-goal attempts, and 37 of their 41 second-half shots overall.
Paolo Banchero paced the Magic with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Desbond Bane also added 17 points. Tristan da Silva scored 10 points, while center Wendell Carter Jr. struggled heavily, finishing with zero rebounds in 32 minutes. They need the luck to go their way in Game 7 so they don’t repeat what happened in 2003.
Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons Injury Reports
Orlando Magic Injury Report
Franz Wagner will not play in Game 7 due to a calf strain. Orlando will need all hands on deck to avoid elimination, as Wagner’s absence has been heavily felt in the last two losses.
Detroit Pistons Injury Report
Kevin Huerter, who missed the last two games with adductor issues, is questionable. Otherwise, the Pistons remain unscathed and will have a full rotation ster available.
Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons Starting Lineups
Orlando Magic Starting Lineup
PG: Jalen Suggs | SG: Desmond Bane | SF: Jamal Cain | PF: Paolo Banchero | C: Wendell Carter Jr.
Detroit Pistons Starting Lineup
PG: Cade Cunningham | SG: Duncan Robinson | SF: Ausar Thompson | PF: Tobias Harris | C: Jalen Duren
How to watch Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons?
The Game 7 clash between the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons takes place at Little Caesars Arena. The game is set for a 3:30 p.m. ET tipoff. It will be televised on ABC, with live streaming available on ESPN+. NBA League Pass is also available for viewers outside the U.S.
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