The Orlando Magic will visit the Detroit Pistons on March 15, 2025, for a highly anticipated matchup in the NBA Cup group stage. The Pistons, boasting a record of 15-3, currently sit atop the Eastern Conference, while the Magic hold a record of 11-8, placing them seventh in the same conference. The game is set to tip off at 19:30 EST.
The Pistons enter this contest with a strong 11-3 record in conference play, showcasing their offensive prowess with an average of 16.9 fast break points per game. Leading this charge is Cade Cunningham, who contributes significantly with an average of 4.3 fast break points. In contrast, the Magic have found success in their own right, ranking seventh in the NBA by scoring an average of 119.6 points per game and shooting at an impressive 47.9% from the field.
Both teams have shown notable three-point shooting capabilities, with the Pistons making 11.3 shots from beyond the arc per game. This figure is only slightly less than the 11.7 three-pointers the Magic allow their opponents to make. The Magic’s scoring ability gives them a slight edge, as they score 6.7 more points per game than the Pistons allow, with Detroit conceding an average of 112.9 points.
This matchup marks the second meeting of the season between these two teams. The Pistons triumphed in their previous encounter on October 29, 2024, winning decisively by a score of 135-116. In that game, Cunningham led Detroit with an impressive 30 points, while Paolo Banchero topped the Magic’s score sheet with 24 points.
Key Performers and Recent Trends
Both teams feature standout players who have been instrumental in their recent performances. For the Pistons, Jalen Duren is averaging 19.8 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, providing a solid presence in the paint. Cunningham has been particularly impressive over the last ten games, averaging an astonishing 42.0 points.
On the Magic’s side, Desmond Bane is contributing 17.3 points and 4.6 assists per game, while Anthony Black is making headlines with an average of 31.0 points and shooting a remarkable 70.6% over his past ten games.
In their last ten games, the Pistons have compiled a record of 9-1, averaging 122.3 points, 45.1 rebounds, and 27.6 assists per game while maintaining a field goal percentage of 50.3%. Their opponents have averaged 114.2 points per game during this stretch. The Magic, on the other hand, have posted a 7-3 record, scoring an average of 122.0 points and allowing 112.1 points to their opponents.
Injury Updates
In terms of player availability, the Pistons will be without Marcus Sasser, who is sidelined due to a hip injury, while Bobi Klintman is listed as day-to-day with an ankle issue. The Magic are facing their own injury concerns, with Moritz Wagner out due to a knee injury. Additionally, Jonathan Isaac and Banchero are both day-to-day with respective back and groin injuries.
As the Magic prepare to square off against the Pistons, both teams will be keen to secure a victory in this exciting NBA Cup matchup, which promises to be a thrilling encounter for basketball fans.
