Pistons’ 15-Year Veteran Delivers Reaction to Orlando Magic Matchup

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 22: Caris LeVert #8 and Tobias Harris #12 of the Detroit Pistons look on against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on October 22, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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

“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

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.