After spending the past week preparing for a playoff series without an opponent in place, the Detroit Pistons will finally find out who they will face for the next four to seven games in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
On Friday, April 17, the Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic will battle it out for the Eastern Conference’s No. 8 seed.
The loser of the game joins the Miami Heat as the next two teams to head into an early offseason. The winner will travel to Detroit, Michigan, for a matchup on Sunday.
Ahead of the Friday night action, Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff revealed what stands out to him about the Magic and the Hornets.
JB Bickerstaff Assesses The Hornets
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 11: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets stands on the court during their game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on March 11, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
“Obviously, the Hornets have a lot of shooting. A lot of guys that can create their own shot. They play at tempo, which puts a lot of pressure on your defense,” Bickerstaff said of Charlotte.
When it comes to three-point shooting, the Hornets are second in the NBA for three-point percentage at 37.8%.
During the 2025-2026 NBA regular season, the Pistons have handled the Hornets with nothing but convincing wins.
In the December 20 matchup, the Pistons beat the Hornets 112-86. It picked up a two-game winning streak over Charlotte, which started in January 2025. The Pistons beat the Hornets 110-104 on February 9, and then closed out the regular season against them with a 118-100 win.
On The Orlando Magic
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 07: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic in action during the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 07, 2025 in New York City. The Knicks won 106-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
“Orlando has big, physical guys that can get to the free throw line a ton and put a ton of stress on your paint, whether it’s in drives or offensive rebounding. They use that size and length on the defensive end of the floor as well. They’ll be physical with you, pressure you, and make it difficult.”
The Pistons didn’t have the same success against the Magic this season as they did with Charlotte. In four games, the Pistons and the Magic split the series. Detroit won the October 29 battle with a 135-116 score.
They managed to win again on March 1 with a 106-92 victory. The Magic defeated the Pistons with a score of 112-109 on November 28 and collected a 123-107 win on April 6.
The Magic came up short against the Philadelphia 76ers in a battle for the seventh seed. They have one more chance to punch their ticket to the playoffs.
The Hornets and the Magic are set for a 7:30 PM ET tip.
Pistons Coach Gives Final Thoughts on Magic, Hornets Before NBA Play-In