Pistons Aim to Defend Home Court Against Magic in Playoffs

Detroit's strong home record could be a key advantage in the first-round matchup.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:18pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game between the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the teams' respective colors, capturing the energy and intensity of the playoff matchup.The Pistons' home-court advantage could be a decisive factor as they look to defend their court against the visiting Magic in the first round of the NBA playoffs.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Pistons are set to face the Orlando Magic in the first round of the NBA playoffs, and the Pistons' impressive home record during the regular season could give them a key advantage. The Magic have struggled on the road in the postseason, going 0-8 away from home under coach Jamahl Mosley. Meanwhile, the Pistons finished the regular season with a 31-9 home record, the best in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons are expecting a raucous home crowd to provide energy and support as they look to defend their home court and advance in the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Pistons' home-court advantage could be a deciding factor in their first-round playoff series against the Magic. Orlando's struggles on the road in the postseason, combined with Detroit's dominant home record, suggest the Pistons may have a significant edge playing at Little Caesars Arena.

The details

The Magic are 6-1 at home in the postseason under coach Jamahl Mosley, but just 0-8 on the road. In contrast, the Pistons had the third-best home record in the NBA during the regular season at 31-9. While the Pistons' overall numbers don't change much at home versus on the road, the players and coaches feel the energy and impact of the home crowd, which was a factor in their playoff series last year.

  • The Pistons and Magic will begin their first-round playoff series on Sunday, April 20, 2026.

The players

Paolo Banchero

A forward for the Orlando Magic who acknowledges the team must win on the road to 'get over the hump' in the playoffs.

Jalen Duren

The Pistons' starting center who is excited for the energy and support the home crowd will bring to Little Caesars Arena.

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' star guard who is encouraging fans to bring energy and support to the team's home games in the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“If we want to get over the hump, it's going to take winning on the road. We've got to be extra focused and together to get that done.”

— Paolo Banchero, Magic forward

“I think it's going to be crazy. The city deserves everything that we're going to bring to them. They've been behind us all year, supporting us, I'm excited. I can't wait.”

— Jalen Duren, Pistons center

“To everybody that's watching this, make sure y'all come on out, show some love, bring some energy, drink your hot tea before. Make sure you ready.”

— Cade Cunningham, Pistons guard

What’s next

The Pistons and Magic will tip off their first-round playoff series on Sunday, April 20, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

The takeaway

The Pistons' dominant home record during the regular season, combined with the Magic's struggles on the road in the postseason, suggest Detroit may have a significant advantage playing at Little Caesars Arena in this first-round playoff matchup. The Pistons are expecting a raucous home crowd to provide energy and support as they look to defend their home court and advance in the playoffs.