The Detroit Pistons will have a few days to rest before they face the Orlando Magic again in their first-round series. The 1-seed Pistons are set to take on the 8-seed Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the 2026 NBA playoffs on Wednesday, April 22, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN, with streaming available on Fubo.
In Game 1, which took place on Sunday night, the Pistons fell to the Magic with a final score of 112-101. Despite a strong performance from All-Star guard Cade Cunningham, who scored 39 points, the team was unable to secure a win. This loss came as a surprise to many, as the Pistons were expected to dominate the series.
Here are some key details about the upcoming Game 2:
- Location: Little Caesars Arena in Detroit
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Broadcast: ESPN and Fubo streaming
The series is a best-of-seven matchup in the Eastern Conference, with the winner advancing to the conference semifinals. The Pistons will need to regroup quickly after the loss, as they face a tough challenge against the Magic. The Magic proved to be a stronger opponent than anticipated, but this does not excuse the upset in Game 1.
Looking ahead, the Pistons must focus on improving their defense and ball movement to turn the series around. Cade Cunningham’s performance was impressive, but the team needs contributions from other players as well. The Magic, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on their momentum and extend their lead in the series.
Meanwhile, in another first-round matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 with a score of 126-113 on Saturday. This sets up an exciting conference semifinal if the Cavs and Raptors continue to perform well.
Watch the NBA Playoffs on Fubo
Here’s what you need to know about Magic-Pistons Game 2.
Pistons vs Magic start time in Game 2 of playoffs
- Date: Wednesday, April 22.
- Time: 7 p.m. ET.
- Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit.
Pistons vs Magic channel in Game 2 of playoffs
- TV channel: ESPN.
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial).
- Radio: WXYT-FM 97.1 in Detroit (more local affiliates).
Wednesday’s Game 2 between the Pistons and Magic can be watched on ESPN and streamed on Fubo, which offers a free trial and has ABC and ESPN.
Watch the NBA Playoffs on Fubo
Pistons vs Magic prediction for playoff series
Omari Sankofa II, Detroit Free Press: The Magic are more than just Banchero and Wagner – Desmond Bane delivered an efficient season averaging more than 20 points and is capable of swinging a playoff game with a big performance. But the Pistons are deeper and have simply been better this season, on both ends. It shouldn’t be a long series. The pick: Pistons in 5.
Who will Pistons play if they beat Magic?
The NBA does not re-seed after the first round of the playoffs, meaning the winner of the 1-8 series (Pistons-Magic) will face the winner of the 4-5 series (Cavaliers-Raptors).
Pistons playoff schedule vs Magic series
Here’s the Pistons-Magic schedule for the playoff series in the first round:
- Game 1, Sunday: Magic 112, Pistons 101.
- Game 2, Wednesday: Magic at Pistons, 7 p.m., ESPN.
- Game 3, Saturday: Pistons at Magic, 1 p.m., Peacock.
- Game 4, Monday, April 27: Pistons at Magic, 8 p.m., NBC, Peacock.
- Game 5, Wednesday, April 29: Magic at Pistons, TBD (if necessary).
- Game 6, Friday, May 1: Pistons at Magic, TBD (if necessary).
- Game 7, Sunday, May 3: Magic at Pistons, TBD (if necessary).
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You can reach Christian at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: When is Game 2 of Pistons vs Magic? NBA playoffs schedule, channel
