The Detroit Pistons are set to face off against the Orlando Magic in an NBA Cup group stage matchup on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. EST. The game will take place in Detroit, where the Pistons currently hold a strong record of 15 wins and 3 losses, placing them first in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Magic are sitting at 11-8, ranked seventh in the same conference.
Detroit has proven to be a formidable opponent in conference games, boasting an 11-3 record. They excel in fast break points, averaging 16.9 per game, with Cade Cunningham leading the charge at 4.3 fast break points per game. In contrast, the Magic have an 8-7 record in Eastern Conference play, showcasing their offensive prowess by scoring an average of 119.6 points per game on a shooting percentage of 47.9%.
A notable aspect of this matchup is the three-point shooting capabilities of both teams. The Pistons average 11.3 made three-pointers per game, closely trailing the 11.7 that the Magic allow their opponents. This could be a critical factor in the game, particularly as the Magic score 6.7 more points per game than the Pistons surrender to their opponents, with the Pistons allowing 112.9 points.
This game marks the second encounter between these two teams this season. The Pistons previously defeated the Magic 135-116 on October 29, 2023, where Cunningham led with an impressive 30 points. For the Magic, Paolo Banchero scored 24 points in that game, highlighting the competitive nature of their matchups.
Top Performers and Recent Form
In terms of individual performances, the Pistons’ Jalen Duren is averaging 19.8 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, making significant contributions to the team’s success. Cunningham has stepped up lately, averaging an extraordinary 42.0 points over the last ten games. On the Magic’s side, Desmond Bane contributes 17.3 points and 4.6 assists, while Anthony Black has been exceptional recently, averaging 31.0 points and shooting 70.6% over the past ten games.
Looking at the last ten matches, the Pistons have demonstrated dominance with a 9-1 record, averaging 122.3 points, 45.1 rebounds, and 27.6 assists per game, shooting 50.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.2 points against them. The Magic, holding a 7-3 record in their last ten games, have also been impressive, averaging 122.0 points, 44.6 rebounds, and 27.7 assists per game while shooting 48.1%. Their opponents have averaged 112.1 points.
Injury Updates
In terms of injuries, the Pistons will be without Marcus Sasser due to a hip injury, while Bobi Klintman is listed as day-to-day with an ankle issue. The Magic face their own challenges, with Moritz Wagner out due to a knee injury, and Jonathan Isaac and Banchero both listed as day-to-day with back and groin injuries, respectively.
As the Pistons and Magic gear up for this critical matchup, fans can expect an intense battle as both teams seek to solidify their standings in the NBA Cup tournament.