The Magic will head to Detroit to take on the Pistons, with both teams looking for a bounce-back win.
The Detroit Pistons (2-2) will host the Orlando Magic (1-3) on Wednesday night (7 ET, NBA League Pass), as both teams look to get back in the win column after dropping their previous outings. Let’s break down five things you should know before tipping.
- Orlando’s forward duo leading the way: Through their first four games to open the 2025-26 season, Paolo Banchero (22.8) and Franz Wagner (22.5) rank 31st and 32nd, respectively, in points per game across the NBA. During Monday’s loss to the red-hot Sixers, Banchero dropped 32 points on 10-for-18 shooting and a perfect 11-for-11 at the free throw line, adding seven rebounds, five assists and three blocks over 32 minutes. Wagner is averaging 5.3 boards, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals on 55.7 / 33.3 / 73.9 splits to go along with his scoring. The dynamic frontcourt duo will try to stop the Magic’s losing skid.
- Magic try to avoid fourth straight loss: As briefly mentioned above, Orlando is in the midst of a three-game losing streak following a 125-121 victory over the Heat to begin the campaign. They lost their last two contests by 12 points apiece and are currently 25th in offensive rating (108.1) and 27th in assists per game (20.8) and assist percentage (52.5). The sample size is indeed small, but by bringing in Tyus Jones and Desmond Bane in the offseason, the Magic were hoping for a better start for their revamped offense after finishing 27th in offensive rating (108.9) in 2024-25.
- Detroit looking to bounce back: On Monday night, the Pistons had their two-game win streak snapped by Cleveland, falling 116-95 at home. Playing in the second night of a back-to-back for both squads, Detroit trailed by as many as 35 in the contest, but the Pistons will be better rested on Wednesday following an off day. The Pistons will rely on their eighth-ranked defense (111.2 Def.Rtg.) to turn things around, as J.B. Bickerstaff and Co. are just 1-4 in the last five versus Orlando.
- Pistons’ block party: Through four games thus far, Detroit is first in blocked shots at 7.5 a night. Isaiah Stewart (2.0 bpg) and Jalen Duren (1.8 bpg) have been dominant for the Motor City’s interior defense, and they’re both currently ranked inside the top ten across the NBA in rejections. Orlando is tied for fourth in points in the paint (57.0), so keep an eye on the battle around the rim in this one.
- Second-chance points will be key: Orlando has been relentless on the offensive glass, ranking second in second-chance points at 21.8 per contest. However, the Pistons are not to be taken lightly when it comes to creating additional opportunities, as they’re currently sixth in the league at 18.8. Wendell Carter, Jr. is responsible for a large chunk of the Magic’s offensive rebounds, as he grabs 4.3 a night, good for seventh. On the other side, Duren is right there with him, sitting tied with four players for eighth at 4.0.
