Pistons and Magic Set for Playoff Clash

Cade Cunningham eligible for awards after NBPA ruling

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:10pm

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A cubist, fragmented painting depicting an NBA basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes in blue, orange, and silver representing the intense action on the court.The Pistons and Magic's playoff clash promises to be a high-energy, geometric battle on the hardwood.Today in Orlando

The Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic are set to face off in the NBA playoffs, with Pistons star Cade Cunningham now eligible for awards after a ruling by the NBA and NBPA. Our staffers provide their predictions on who will win the series and why.

Why it matters

This first-round playoff matchup between the Pistons and Magic features two up-and-coming teams looking to make a postseason push. The eligibility of Cade Cunningham for awards adds an extra layer of intrigue, as the young star will look to lead his team to victory.

The details

The Pistons and Magic will meet in the first round of the NBA playoffs after strong regular season campaigns. Detroit is led by Cade Cunningham, the 2024 first overall draft pick who was recently ruled eligible for awards despite falling short of the 65-game mark. Orlando is paced by a talented young core including Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs.

  • The Pistons and Magic will begin their first-round playoff series on April 20, 2026.
  • The NBA and NBPA ruled Cade Cunningham eligible for awards on April 17, 2026.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The 2024 first overall draft pick of the Detroit Pistons, Cunningham is a rising star who was recently ruled eligible for NBA awards despite falling short of the 65-game mark.

Paolo Banchero

The young forward is a key part of the Orlando Magic's talented core, helping lead the team to the playoffs.

Jalen Suggs

The Magic's starting point guard, Suggs has emerged as a two-way threat in his second NBA season.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just excited to get out there and compete in the playoffs. This team has worked hard all year and we're ready for the challenge.”

— Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons Guard

“We know the Pistons are a tough team, but we're confident in our ability to match up with them. It's going to be a hard-fought series.”

— Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic Forward

What’s next

The winner of the Pistons-Magic series will advance to face the top-seeded team in the Eastern Conference in the second round.

The takeaway

This first-round playoff matchup between the up-and-coming Pistons and Magic promises to be an exciting one, with the eligibility of Cade Cunningham for awards adding an extra layer of intrigue. Fans can look forward to a hard-fought series between two talented young teams.