With the NBA Play-In Tournament in the rearview, the Detroit Pistons finally figured out who their first-round opponent is.
On Friday night, the battle of the Eastern Conference’s eighth seed included the Orlando Magic and the Charlotte Hornets.
The latter team was coming off an impressive overtime victory against the Miami Heat. The former team fell short against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The momentum of a thrilling win clearly didn’t carry over. The Magic destroyed the Hornets, ending their season in blowout fashion. With that win, the Magic are now locked into a first-round series against the Detroit Pistons.
Following the final practice session before Game 1, Tobias Harris reacted to his team drawing the Magic as a first-round opponent.
Tobias Harris Delivers Reaction To Picking Up The Magic
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 28: Tobias Harris #12 of the Detroit Pistons reacts during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena on November 28, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
“We’re ready to play,” said a confident Harris. “Obviously, didn’t know who we were going against. Just going over our game plan and everything. So, we’re locked in and focused. We know what we have to do to execute. We’re ready for the challenge.”
One of the very few downsides to winning the No. 1 seed in the conference is being the last to find out who you are playing.
When the Pistons entered the week, they had to consider four different options. The Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets were all on the table.
Now, the Pistons will get a chance to focus on just one team for the next four to seven games.
Pistons vs Magic History
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)
The Pistons and the Magic faced each other four times this year.
After the Magic beat the Pistons two out of three times in 2024-2025, the two teas split this year’s regular season series.
The Pistons took a victory in the first meeting, which took place on October 29.
On November 28, the Magic got their payback with a 112-109 win. The series was revisited on March 1, and the Pistons defeated Orlando 106-92. The fourth and final outing between the Magic and the Pistons took place on April 6. Orlando won with a score of 123-107.
Game 1 between the Pistons and the Magic is set to take place on Sunday, April 19, at 6:30 PM ET.