Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons
PREVIEW: The Detroit Pistons (44-14) head to Kia Center on Sunday to face the Orlando Magic (31-27) , a matchup between the Eastern Conference's top seed and a team fighting to maintain playoff positioning. Detroit enters first in the Eastern Conference, and the Pistons are 29-7 against Eastern Conference opponents. Jalen Duren continues to be a force inside, dropping 33 points and 16 rebounds in their last outing while averaging 28.3 points and 14.5 rebounds on 65.2 percent shooting over the last four games. Detroit has won seven of their last eight contests and currently rides a two-game winning streak, including victories over the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers .
Orlando enters this matchup undermanned but dangerous at home, looking to protect what has been a solid fortress at Kia Center this season. Desmond Bane shined with 30 points against Houston while Paolo Banchero delivered a strong all-around effort with 19 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. The Magic have won five straight home games against Detroit and maintain a solid 17-10 record at Kia Center. Both teams sit in the bottom-10 for pace lately, meaning fewer possessions will be available and the Magic's defensive discipline combined with their size should help them stay competitive inside, even as Detroit projects as the clear favorite.