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Fresh off a blowout win over the Charlotte Hornets, the Orlando Magic find themselves in a 1 vs. 8 matchup with the Detroit Pistons.
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Unfortunately for Orlando, what’s been a breakout year for the Pistons will have Little Caesars Arena rocking on Sunday, and I expect Detroit to defend home court following a lengthy postseason drought.
Here are my Magic vs. Pistons predictions and NBA picks for Game 1 on April 19.
Our best Magic vs Pistons SGP for Game 1
Finishing the regular season with averages of 9.9 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game, and 3.1 assists per game, Ausar Thompson is already on pace to hit this combo Over as one of the Detroit Pistons’ key engines.
He’s gone past this number in five of his past eight contests — and, if anything, Thompson’s minutes should climb in more meaningful games, with Detroit relying on his grit to combat an Orlando Magic team that can do damage on the glass.
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With Thompson making an impact all over the box score, I expect the Pistons to have a clear edge. The Magic’s 19-21 road record doesn’t inspire much confidence in halting Detroit’s four-game home winning streak.
Cade Cunningham has looked steady since returning from a collapsed lung, and a double-double is my favorite Cade prop on the board. He’s had 10+ assists in eight of his last 12 contests, and I’m not worried about his scoring after a season where he averaged 23.9 ppg.
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