Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic
PREVIEW: The Detroit Pistons (15-3) welcome in the Orlando Magic (11-8) after victories in seven home games in a row. The Pistons have been on fire to start the season as they've won 15 of their first 18 games, though they were riding a 13-game win streak before they got stopped in their tracks by the Celtics in a 117-114 road defeat on Wednesday. The Magic have been in great shape as they've won seven of their last nine games overall and will be eager to stay hot after blowing past the 76ers in a 144-103 road win on Tuesday. Friday's matchup features the Pistons as slim 1.5-point favorites, with the game taking place at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
Cade Cunningham continues to lead Detroit's offensive charge with 28.1 points and 9.3 assists per game, while Jalen Duren anchors the team with 19.8 points and 11.8 boards per contest. Franz Wagner leads the Magic's attack with 22.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, backed by a well-rounded supporting cast. The rest advantage leans heavily toward Orlando, who last played on Tuesday, while Detroit is returning home on short rest. From a matchup standpoint, Orlando has had Detroit's number lately, as the Magic have taken eight of the last ten meetings between the two teams and have covered in seven of their last nine overall.