The Detroit Pistons will face the Orlando Magic in the first round of the NBA playoffs, starting Sunday at 6:30 PM. Cade Cunningham is eager for his first playoff experience at home after a six-year absence.
Key points
Detroit Pistons face Orlando Magic in first round
Game starts on Sunday at 6:30 PM
Cade Cunningham excited for first playoff experience
Pistons are the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference
Series will be a best-of-seven
Detroit PistonsOrlando MagicCade CunninghamPaolo Banchero
Detroit — Cade Cunningham took a moment to re-watch team introductions during his first playoff experience at Little Caesars Arena. His moment occurred during Game 3 of the Detroit Pistons' first-round series against the New York Knicks. It brought back the chills he felt leading up to the game, especially the excitement that fans experienced during the Pistons' first home playoff game in six years.
Watching the team introductions again made Cunningham eager to start this year's postseason series. However, he had to wait until the NBA's Play-In Tournament concluded before the Eastern Conference bracket became official.
On Friday night, Cunningham and the Pistons finally learned who their first-round playoff opponent would be. As the No. 1 seed, the Pistons will face the No. 8-seeded Orlando Magic in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The seven-game series will begin on Sunday, with the tip-off scheduled for 6:30 PM.
"I'm just excited to get out there. I am excited to see the city and how our home games will look. There's a lot to be excited about," Cunningham said. "Watching these Play-In games had me fired up. I'm just anxious. I'm fired up. It's going to be fun."
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) defends Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) defends Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half.
The Magic secured the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference after a decisive 121-90 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at Kia Center.
Q&A
When do the Detroit Pistons play the Orlando Magic in the playoffs?
The Pistons will play the Magic on Sunday at 6:30 PM.
Who are the key players to watch in the Pistons vs. Magic playoff series?
Cade Cunningham is a key player for the Pistons, while Paolo Banchero is significant for the Magic.
What seed are the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference playoffs?
The Detroit Pistons are the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
How long will the Pistons vs. Magic playoff series last?
The series will be a best-of-seven format.
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Paolo Banchero rebounded from his disappointing performance against the Philadelphia 76ers, who defeated Orlando for the No. 7 seed on Wednesday. Banchero finished with 25 points on 9 of 17 shooting, six assists and five rebounds. It was an all-around team effort for the Magic, who had five players who scored in double figures.
Franz Wagner finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. added 14 points. Jalen Suggs contributed with 12 points, six assists and five rebounds. Desmond Bane finished with 13.
During their first week of playoff practice, the Pistons had a unique experience as they awaited their first-round opponent. Although the Pistons were unsure of the team they would face, they decided to use the time to thoroughly prepare for whoever it would be.
They focused on addressing some of the issues that coach J.B. Bickerstaff had observed during the final 15 games of the season, including a 123-107 loss to the Magic on April 6.
"It's been unique. It's been different just not knowing," Jalen Duren said. "We've been going through different actions and sets of Orlando and Charlotte, and how each team will guard us. That's been different. But in terms of the work, everybody's mindset, it's still the same no matter who we play. We are just trying to get the job done."
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)
