Pistons host Magic with Cunningham back from injury
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Detroit — The Detroit Pistons will host the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic on Sunday at Little Caesars Arena in the opening game of the Eastern Conference first-round series. This follows a regular season in which Detroit finished with 60 wins and secured the conference's top seed after an 8-3 stretch while All-Star guard Cade Cunningham missed nearly three weeks this spring with a partially collapsed lung.
Detroit's 60-win club will attempt to translate regular-season success into postseason wins this week, despite a franchise 10-game home postseason losing streak dating to May 26, 2008. Coaches cite bench depth — a bench that averaged 41.3 points — and will rely on role players such as Daniss Jenkins while countering Orlando's productive starting lineup led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
More context
Timeline
- 1. May 26, 2008 — Pistons last home postseason win; start of home playoff drought.
- 2. Mid-March, this spring — Cade Cunningham suffered a partially collapsed lung and missed nearly three weeks.
- 3. Late regular season — Detroit went 8-3 in Cunningham's absence and clinched the Eastern Conference top seed.
- 4. End of regular season — Pistons finished with 60 wins, securing the No. 1 seed.
- 5. This weekend (Sunday) — Detroit will host the Orlando Magic in Game 1 at Little Caesars Arena.
Why it matters
The Pistons' playoff performance could impact local morale and community spirit. If you're a fan, this is a crucial time to show support. Consider watching the game at a local sports bar or hosting a viewing party at home.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
