{"id":714178,"date":"2026-04-19T20:54:42","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T20:54:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/714178\/"},"modified":"2026-04-19T20:54:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T20:54:42","slug":"pistons-vs-magic-tactical-breakdown-three-ways-detroit-can-beat-orlando","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/714178\/","title":{"rendered":"Pistons vs Magic Tactical Breakdown: Three Ways Detroit Can Beat Orlando"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Detroit Pistons<\/a> are set to face off against the Orlando Magic in round one of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The Magic were able to earn the No. 8 seed after battling through the play in games<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Detroit will have home court advantage not only for the upcoming Magic series but throughout the course of the 2026 NBA Playoffs as well. <\/p>\n

Below are three ways the Pistons can get past the Magic in round one.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pistons Must Keep Magic Star in Check<\/p>\n

The Detroit Pistons must keep Paolo Banchero in check in round one. The Pistons and Magic faced off against one another on April 6 and Banchero ran riot for 31 points. Banchero finished 10\/16 from the field and was a perfect 10\/10 from the free throw line.<\/p>\n

\u00a0The trio of Banchero, Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs could be tricky for Detroit to contain in a seven-game series, but if the Pistons can at the least limit Banchero to 20 points or less, they should have enough firepower to get over the line.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pistons Bench Must Produce Points\"Detroit<\/p>\n

Apr 12, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Pistons will have to get production from their bench in the series vs the Magic. in the March 1 game against the Magic the Pistons managed less than 30 points off the bench. In the November 28 matchup that the Magic would go on to win by a score of 112-109, the Pistons bench was even less productive, tacking on just 19 points.<\/p>\n

\u00a0If the Pistons can get production from players such as Ronald Holland and Kevin Huerter, that will take pressure off of Cunningham and Duren to carry the team.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pistons Stars Must Show Up\"Detroit<\/p>\n

Apr 10, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets during first quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Pistons will have to get their stars hot early. When Cunningham <\/a>is firing on all cylinders, the Pistons are an incredibly tough team to beat. Cunningham is averaging 23.9 points per game, and is averaging 9.9 assists per game.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Big man Jalen Duren has been an absolute force on the glass this season and a big reason why the Pistons routinely out-rebound opposing teams. If Cunningham can score right around his average, and the Pistons continue to be a force in the paint and on the glass, they should have no issue getting past the Magic in round one.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Pistons and Magic will face off in round one today at 6:30 P.M. The Pistons have home court advantage and the game can be watched on NBC and Peacock.<\/p>\n

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