At last, the Detroit Pistons have an opponent for the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Following an eventful week of NBA Play-In games, the Pistons found out that they are going to go head-to-head with the Orlando Magic.
The series between the Magic and the Pistons is set to begin on Sunday, April 19.
With the Pistons being the top seed, Detroit will host the series for the first two games. Earlier this week, the NBA announced the full schedule, along with times and broadcast locations for the first few games.
Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic Full Round 1 Schedule
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 19: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons in action in Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 19, 2025 in New York City.
- GAME 1: Sunday, April 19 – 6:30 PM ET on NBC
- GAME 2: Wednesday, April 22 – 7 PM ET on ESPN
- GAME 3: Saturday, April 25 – 1 PM ET on PEACOCK
- GAME 4: Monday, April 27 – TBD
- GAME 5: Wednesday, April 29 – TBD
- GAME 6: Friday, May 1 – TBD
- GAME 7: Sunday, May 3 – TBD
All week long, the Pistons have been preparing for several scenarios in the first round. There were four possibilities. The Play-In included the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets, and the Magic.
The Hornets took care of the Heat in a thrilling overtime battle, which allowed them to get into the battle for No. 8. Meanwhile, the Sixers put together a convincing victory over the Magic, which gave Philadelphia an opportunity to face the Boston Celtics.
The Magic dominated the Hornets on Friday night with a 121-90 victory.
Before Friday’s action between the Hornets and the Magic, Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff briefly dished his thoughts on Orlando’s team.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 30: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons passes the ball as Quentin Grimes #6 of the New York Knicks defends in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on November 30, 2023 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
JB Bickerstaff’s Statement On The Magic
“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,” Bickerstaff told reporters. “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.”
This year, the Pistons and the Magic faced each other for four matchups. Each team picked up two wins. Now, they’ll meet at least four times in a possible seven-game series. The winner will head to the second round for a clash against the Toronto Raptors or the Cleveland Cavaliers.