Opinion: Magic reason why NBA’s number one seeds are going in opposite directions

- Jeremy.Freeborn Opinion: Magic reason why NBA’s number one seeds are going in opposite directions Image


The Orlando Magic continue to be one of the biggest stories of the 2026 NBA postseason. As the number eight seed in the Eastern Conference, they are now one win away from knocking out the top seed Detroit Pistons. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder had no problem whatsoever with the Phoenix Suns. OKC swept Phoenix in four games straight on Monday with a 131-122 win.

What we are seeing from the Magic is downright miraculous. After a 112-101 win over Detroit in game one, and a 113-105 Orlando win in game three, Orlando went up three games to one with another strong defensive performance on Monday night. This time, the Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons 94-88 at home in game four of the first round playoff series.

Four Magic players reached double digits in scoring. Shooting guard Desmond Bane of Richmond, Indiana led the Magic attack with 22 points. Small forward Franz Wagner of Berlin, Germany had 19 points, power forward Paolo Banchero of Seattle, Washington had 18 points, and center Wendell Carter Jr. had 12 points. For the second straight game, Carter Jr. had the double-double, as he added 11 rebounds.



A key statistic in the game were turnovers. The Magic only turned the basketball over 12 times, while the Pistons turned the basketball over 20 times.

The series now shifts to Detroit for game five on Wednesday night. The Pistons were the best home team in the Eastern Conference this season with a record of 31 wins and nine losses. Any single mistake for Detroit over the next week, and their season could be over.

18+ Gamble Responsibly
CHANCES ARE YOU’RE ABOUT TO LOSE.

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

Cta Bg Image

Want To Receive Our NRL News Each Week?

We can email you our NRL Content as it comes in each week

Fill in the form & you will stop seeing this each time you view our insights & tips

Related Articles

Spencer Leniu Signs Four-Year Deal With Parramatta Eels Image
NRL
Spencer Leniu Signs Four-Year Deal With Parramatta Eels

Spencer Leniu has signed a four-year contract with the Parramatta Eels starting in 2027, the club confirmed on Thursday 8 October. The deal comes only...

4 hours ago
Racing: Kyneton Tips – Thursday 8/10 Image Racing: Kyneton Tips – Thursday 8/10

Kyneton hosts a nine-race card this Thursday, with a Soft 5 surface and the rail out one metre setting up an interesting afternoon of country racing. ...

7 hours ago
Wallabies Team for Bledisloe Cup Named, Ikitau Fit to Start Image Wallabies Team for Bledisloe Cup Named, Ikitau Fit to Start

Len Ikitau has been cleared to start for the Wallabies in the Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park, with Isaac Henry the only change to the side that bea...

4 hours ago
Header Logo
NRL Match Centre
Form guide