Detroit — On Sunday night at Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Pistons will start their quest for the Larry O’Brien Trophy as they begin the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic.
The 1-vs.-8 matchup between the two Eastern Conference teams will be a long, defensive, and gritty series, given the similarities between the Pistons and Magic. Detroit and Orlando are so much alike that the two franchises split their four-game regular-season series, 2-2. Ahead of Game 1, Pistons beat writer Coty M. Davis analyzes four factors that might indicate which team holds the advantage when reflecting on their regular-season performance.
Frontcourt
Jalen Duren’s All-NBA-worthy leap this season is a key reason the Pistons are heading into the playoffs with one of the league’s best frontcourts. His ability to dominate in the paint has significantly contributed to Detroit’s success, as the Pistons are averaging a league-best 57.9 points scored in the paint.
Duren has been the key player for the Pistons’ interior scoring, but Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, Paul Reed and Ausar Thompson have also contributed. However, the Magic’s pairing of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner gives Orlando a slight nod when it comes to the frontcourt.
They have recorded an average usage rating of 26.5%, meaning over half of the Magic’s offense goes through Banchero and Wagner. They can not only score, given their ability to create their own shots, but Banchero and Wagner are also above-average facilitators who can create scoring opportunities for their teammates.
With Stewart and Thompson, the Pistons’ frontcourt definitely has the nod on the defensive end. However, on nights when Banchero and Wagner are in form, their talents can make it a long night for any team.
Advantage: Magic
Backcourt
The Magic might have the most underrated starting backcourt in the league. Desmond Bane (20.1 PPG) and Jalen Suggs (13.8 PPG) not only can score, but they also can create plays on the defensive end with their skills and hustle. Suggs finished the season averaging 1.8 steals, which would have ranked sixth in the league had he qualified.
Anthony Black offers solid production off the bench. However, outside of the trio, the Magic’s backcourt leaves much to be desired. In contrast, the Pistons’ backcourt presents a stronger option.
While the Pistons are entering the series with a top-five point guard in Cade Cunningham, Detroit’s backcourt play extends beyond just the All-NBA guard.
Despite being slightly below average in 3-point shooting, the Pistons have three players capable of getting hot from beyond the arc. Their standout shooters are Marcus Sasser and Duncan Robinson, who shot 41.5% and 40.0% from 3-point range, respectively. Kevin Huerter shot 40.0% from 3-point range over the final nine games after he found his rhythm with the team.
Daniss Jenkins has established himself as Detroit’s biggest X-factor, making him the best backup guard on both teams. He can score, facilitate and provide dependable production on the defensive end.
Advantage: Pistons
Bench
The Pistons’ bench provides a significant advantage against Orlando. The Pistons’ reserve unit finished the regular season ranked 11th in scoring, averaging 41.3 points per game.
Since the beginning of training camp, coach J.B. Bickerstaff has praised the team’s talent and depth, which have contributed significantly to the Pistons’ 60-win season. The Pistons have numerous bench players who can provide a substantial boost in all areas of the game.
Orlando is coming into the series with a second unit that is subpar, at best. The Magic finished the season with the fourth-lowest scoring reserve unit, averaging 32.6 points per game.
Black is their only productive scorer coming off the bench. He is fourth on the team in scoring, averaging 15.0 points per game. Tristan da Silva is solid, averaging 9.9 points and 3.7 rebounds. But outside of Black and Silva, the Magic’s bench doesn’t provide much consistency.
Advantage: Pistons
Coaching
The playing styles of the Pistons and the Magic reflect the coaching philosophies of Bickerstaff and coach Jamahl Mosley. They share similar attributes, including coaches who thrive on the defensive end while valuing pace and passing in their offensive systems. The similarities are perhaps not surprising, given the close-knit relationship between Bickerstaff and Mosley.
But when it comes to which coach has the edge, chemistry and continuity with their players will determine who has the advantage. In this matchup, the Pistons have the advantage over the Magic. Since his hiring in July 2024, the Pistons have developed a strong relationship with Bickerstaff and have won several games due to the players’ commitment to giving their all for him.
Although he is the first coach since Stan Van Gundy to lead the Orlando Magic to the playoffs for three consecutive years, there seems to be a disconnect between Mosley and his players. As a result, unless Orlando advances beyond the first round, Mosley could see his tenure as the Magic’s coach end sooner rather than later.
Advantage: Pistons
NBA Playoffs, first round: No. 8 Magic vs. No. 1 Pistons
Game 1: at Detroit, Sunday, 6:30 p.m. (NBC)
Game 2: at Detroit, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. (ESPN)
Game 3: at Orlando, Saturday, 1:00 p.m. (Peacock)
Game 4: at Orlando, Monday, April 27, TBD (TBD)
x-Game 5: at Detroit, Wednesday, April 29, TBD (TBD)
x-Game 6: at Orlando, Friday, May 1, TBD (TBD)
x-Game 7: at Detroit, Sunday, May 3 TBD (TBD)x-If necessary
coty.davis@detroitnews.com
@cotydavis_24
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic: Who has edge in NBA playoff series
Reporting by Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
