The Detroit Pistons are facing elimination, but have a chance to claw back some momentum at home.
The 1-seed Pistons play the 8-seed Orlando Magic in Game 5 in the 2026 NBA playoffs on Wednesday, April 29, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit and the Magic suddenly look shorthanded.
Former Michigan star Franz Wagner has been ruled out for the Magic in Game 5 with a calf injury for the game that is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET and will stream exclusively on Amazon’s Prime Video.
The game won’t be on a traditional TV channel, which means you’ll need a smart device and a Prime subscription to watch.
Watch the NBA playoffs on Prime Video
The Pistons fell 94-88 in Game 4 of the series Monday in Orlando and now trail the Magic 3-1 in the series. The Magic are now one win away from a first-round upset that will live in infamy, while the Pistons need to win three games in a row to keep their season alive.
Detroit is hoping this will not be the last game at LCA this season, and in order for that to happen, must take Game 5 and then Game 6 on Friday night in Orlando to force a Game 7 back in Detroit on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Magic only need one win in three tries to become just the seventh 8-seed ever to knock out a 1-seed in the NBA playoffs.
We’ll have live updates, highlights and analysis from Pistons vs. Magic Game 5 below.
Pistons vs Magic game score updates
This section will be updated after tipoff.
Magic starting lineup
Forward Jamal Cain will replace Franz Wagner in Orlando’s starting five.
Pistons are double-digit favorites
The Pistons were 9½ point favorites yesterday, and the line has shifted to 10½ points today (per BetMGM) with the Magic missing Franz Wagner from the lineup.
Pistons injury report
The Pistons have listed shooting guard Kevin Huerter as questionable for Game 5.
Franz Wagner injury update
Magic forward Franz Wagner is officially out for Game 5 according to Magic coach Jamahl Mosely. Wagner was previously listed as questionable after suffering a calf strain during Game 4 in Orlando. Mosely also said he doesn’t know when Wagner will return, saying the timeline will depend on how he responds to treatment.
Wagner is the team’s second-leading scorer this season at 20.6 points per game and has played a big role in helping Orlando get out to a 3-1 series lead. However, Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said his team’s approach will not change with Wagner out of the lineup.
“We have to make sure we’re playing our best no matter who they put out on the floor,” he said. “There’s some systematic things or coverages that may change … but our focus right now is on how do we go out tonight and put forth the best Pistons performance for 48 minutes to carry this series on.”
No t-shirts today
Fans at Little Caesars Arena will not be receiving complementary matching t-shirts today, with towels draping the bowl seats.
Those might create a more raucous atmosphere at LCA. Then again, they could also be confused for surrender flags.
Pistons vs Magic time for Game 5
Pistons vs Magic channel for Game 5
Wednesday’s Game 5 will not be televised on a traditional channel, and will instead be streamed exclusively on Prime Video.
Watch the NBA playoffs on Prime Video
Pistons injury report vs Magic in Game 5
Updates from the official NBA injury report.
Magic injury report vs Pistons in Game 5
Pistons vs Magic starting lineups today
Here’s the projected starting lineups for Game 5 of Magic vs. Pistons:
Pistons vs Magic odds for Game 5
The Pistons are a big favorite for their Game 5 matchup against the Magic.
All odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Tuesday afternoon.
Pistons vs Magic uniforms for Game 5
The Pistons are sticking with their traditional white uniforms for the fifth straight game, while the Magic are going back to their “Statement Edition” uniforms – black with white pinstripes and “Magic” across the chest. Here’s the reason behind the Pistons’ decision to go with white again.
Pistons playoff schedule vs Magic series
Here’s the Pistons-Magic schedule for the first round:
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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pistons vs Magic game channel, score updates in Game 5 of NBA playoffs
Reporting by Christian Romo, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
