All the talk regarding the Detroit Pistons has been about their much-improved roster. That talent will be tested tonight, as their best player will be sidelined. Cade Cunningham will miss the game against the Orlando Magic due to a left sacroiliac joint sprain. He suffered the injury during the Pistons’ 123-121 loss to the Charlotte Hornets when he drove to the rim, drew contact, and fell on his back. Grabbing his tailbone as he rolled onto his stomach, Cunningham eventually got up to knock down two clutch free throws, giving the Pistons a 109-107 lead late in the fourth quarter.
This is a significant loss for a Pistons team currently on a two-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Magic have been playing well, winning seven of their last eight games, including a 119-118 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite missing Paolo Banchero since October 30th with a right oblique injury, the Magic have shown resilience, with Franz Wagner leading the charge. This is their first matchup this season; the Magic dominated the Pistons in last year’s series 4-0 with a 17.5-point margin.
As the Pistons prepare for the tough task ahead, which players need to step up, and what do they need to do to secure a victory against this tough Magic team? Let’s dive in.
Can Pistons Bounce Back Against Magic Without Cunningham?
Who Needs To Step Up For The Pistons To Defeat The Magic
Jaden Ivey
Without Cunningham in the lineup, Jaden Ivey will assume point guard duties. However, he enters this game amid his worst stretch of basketball this season, averaging just 11.5 points on 6/23 shooting over his last two games. Yet, in 20 games without Cunningham last season, Ivey rose to the occasion, averaging 18.9 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds on 42.5/38.2/66.7% shooting. With the confidence Ivey has displayed this season—and the freedom he typically enjoys when Cunningham is out—expect a big game from him.
Jalen Duren
Jalen Duren was expected to have a breakout season, but his performances have been inconsistent so far. His last two games highlight this variance: on his 21st birthday, he dominated with 15 points and 22 rebounds (12 offensive), yet in the following game, he posted just five points and nine rebounds in 24 minutes. Duren is more than capable of being a consistent double-double threat; he just needs to believe in his ability. With Isaiah Stewart’s increased production as of late, this could be the fuel Duren needs to solidify his place in the starting lineup.
Tobias Harris
After a shaky start to the season, Tobias Harris seems to be finding his stride. He played his best game of the year Thursday night, scoring 26 points on 10/16 shooting, including 6/9 from three. Harris has a proven ability to elevate his aggressiveness when needed. For the Pistons to win tonight, Harris will have to bring that same level of intensity and efficiency.
Keys To Victory
Defend the Three-Point Line
Despite having a much-improved defense overall, the Pistons struggle to defend the three-point line. Teams are shooting 37.5% against them from deep, ranking Detroit 26th in the league. Opponents make 13.8 threes per game against the Pistons, placing them 19th. While Detroit does a solid job of limiting attempts (ranking ninth with 36.7 per game), when opponents find their rhythm, it often spells trouble.
The Magic, however, are one of the NBA’s worst three-point shooting teams. They average just 11.8 makes per game (fifth worst) on 38.2 attempts (11th most) and shoot a league-low 30.9% from deep. Offensively, the Magic are among the weakest teams in the league, scoring only 106.8 points per game. If the Pistons can keep Orlando’s offense in that range, they’ll have a strong chance to win.
Attack the Defense
What the Magic lack offensively, they make up for on defense. Opponents score just 103.2 points per game against Orlando, the fewest in the league. Their 105.9 defensive rating ranks third in the NBA. Across all positions, the Magic boast elite defenders who excel at disrupting opponents.
The Pistons must attack Orlando’s defense early and often. This approach could help a Detroit team that ranks 26th in the league in free-throw attempts (20.5 per game) and 29th in free-throw makes (15.6 per game). Capitalizing on these opportunities will be essential to overcoming the Magic’s defensive prowess.
Slow Down Franz
With Banchero sidelined, Franz Wagner has stepped up to carry the Magic’s offensive load. He’s riding a wave of confidence after sinking the game-winning three against the Lakers on Thursday. While Wagner shot just 28.1% from three last season, he has improved to 35% this year.
Wagner’s contributions extend beyond scoring. He averages 5.4 assists, second on the team, and 5.6 rebounds, ranking fourth. To slow him down, Detroit’s perimeter defenders must stay disciplined, contest shots, and limit his space to establish a rhythm.
The Final Word
The Pistons face a challenging task without Cade Cunningham, particularly against a Magic team thriving on defensive intensity and balanced contributions. For Detroit to end its losing streak, players like Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and Tobias Harris must step up. Defensive discipline on the three-point line and an aggressive offensive approach will be key.
Containing Franz Wagner and forcing the Magic into inefficient possessions could tip the scales in Detroit’s favor. A win tonight would boost confidence and showcase the Pistons’ resilience and depth without Cunningham.
