The Orlando Magic let one get away and the momentum is fully back on the Detroit Pistons’ side, and Game 7 is in front of their home crowd.

Catch the game Monday, May 4th, at 3:30 AM, Manila time. 

AWAY: Orlando Magic (3-3)

Projected starting five: 

  • Jalen Suggs
  • Desmond Bane
  • Franz Wagner (questionable)
  • Paolo Banchero
  • Wendell Carter Jr.

This has been a roller coaster of a series for Orlando. Entering as the eighth seed, the Magic were expected to be overmatched against a 60-win No. 1 seed. Instead, they grabbed a shocking 3-1 lead and looked poised to finish the upset. Now, after back-to-back losses, they face a hostile Game 7 on the road.

Game 6 was a nightmare. Orlando led 62-38 early in the third quarter and somehow lost, 93-79. The collapse was fueled by one of the ugliest offensive stretches in recent playoff memory: 23 consecutive missed shots in the second half. They finished the half just 4-for-37 from the field – an astonishingly poor and frankly embarrassing number for a team with a chance to close out a series.

The struggles have lingered throughout the matchup. Orlando is shooting only 39.5% overall, with Paolo Banchero at 39%, Desmond Bane at 38%, and Jalen Suggs a brutal 30.5%. The formula is simple now: make shots, value possessions, and have everyone fully locked in. Game 7 leaves no room for hesitation.

HOME: Detroit Pistons (1-3)

Projected starting five:

  • Cade Cunningham
  • Duncan Robinson
  • Ausar Thompson
  • Tobias Harris
  • Jalen Duren

Detroit suddenly looks alive again after two straight must-win victories, and the belief that fueled a 60-win regular season appears to have returned at the perfect time. The Pistons now have confidence, momentum, and home court on their side entering the biggest game of their season.

Cade Cunningham has been sensational, especially in Game 6 when he put the team on his back and poured in 19 fourth-quarter points. He has looked every bit like a franchise star, taking control when Detroit needed him most. If he brings that same composure and aggression into Game 7, the Pistons will be difficult to stop.

Jalen Duren still hasn’t matched the impact he had during the regular season, but the Pistons have found help elsewhere. Tobias Harris has delivered steady scoring, while Duncan Robinson has provided much-needed spacing and timely shooting. That balance has helped stabilize the offense.

Now, the challenge is mental. The Pistons have all the momentum in the world, but they must stay disciplined, avoid relaxing, and finish off a pesky Orlando team that has already proven it can surprise people.

PICKS

Spread: Magic (+8.5)
Over/Under: Under (202.5)