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Updated · CBS Sports · Apr 19Detroit Pistons Open Playoff Series Against Orlando Magic Amid High Hopes and Streaks
51 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Apr 19
- The Detroit Pistons began their 2026 NBA playoff campaign against the Orlando Magic with Game 1 at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday.
- The Pistons, top seed in the East, faced an early challenge as the Magic led after the first quarter, but Detroit's defense responded strongly.
- Detroit aims to end a long home playoff win drought, while both teams look to advance past recent early postseason exits.
Why does one expert predict a Magic upset despite overwhelming odds and injuries? Can Detroit's elite defense overcome its Achilles' heel at the free-throw line? Can Paolo Banchero's aggressive style crack the code of the NBA's second-best defense? Is an 80% healthy Cade Cunningham enough to carry the top-seeded Pistons? With Franz Wagner likely out, who will emerge as Orlando's crucial third scorer?