NBA Matchups: April 29

ORL @ DET | TOR @ CLE | HOU @ LAL

Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons

Team Totals: Magic 100.5, Pistons 110.5

Injury Report: Jonathan Isaac (D, knee), Franz Wagner (Q, calf), Kevin Huerter (Q, groin)

Magic projected starters: Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Anthony Black, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.

Pistons projected starters: Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Offensive Ranks: Magic 18th (17th halfcourt), Pistons 10th (16th halfcourt)

Defensive Ranks: Magic 14th (19th halfcourt), Pistons 2nd (2nd halfcourt)

Mosley quotes: Said Kia Center “was rocking” and that’s why they played such great defense, said a 3-1 lead means nothing and they “are just trying to get four,” said Franz is in a good place right now from his calf issue, said Cade is a tough guard and they were able to use multiple people, said WCJ has played like this all year, said they know the Pistons will be ready with effort in Game 5.

Bickerstaff quotes: Said they turned it over and gave up too many O boards, said the Magic are sending more bodies to Cade, said WCJ is the heart of the ORL defense and it’s making it tougher to score, said they knew with the timeouts they could find time to rest Cade, said they have to be able to take advantage of the Magic packing the paint against them.

Stats and notes:

*The Magic beat the Pistons down in Game 4 with 16 offensive rebounds and got 34 FTAs to Detroit’s 28. Detroit’s halfcourt offense is just a total disaster at 82.6 points per 100, ranking last in the postseason. Plus, they have seen their output on putbacks almost get cut in half, and Cade Cunningham hasn’t had much efficiency in this series (more on that later). The lack of 3-point shooting is really hurting them, and they’re at just 28.8% on only 14.8 C&S 3PAs (only the Wolves are lower on volume at 12.4). Orlando’s offense hasn’t been much better, but in three wins, they’ve been able to hit the boards and get transition points. They’re also terrible on 3-point shooting, and the Magic have been awful with their finishing at the basket. This is going to be an ugly game again.

*Paolo Banchero did not have it in Game 4 at 4-of-18 shooting from the field, as Tobias Harris continues to do a solid job on him. Paolo hasn’t been able to finish at the basket at just 33.3% on his layups, and of course, he’s only at 34.2% on jumpers (a 39.5 eFG%). It’s a tough spot for Paolo, but his usage may tick up should Franz Wagner be out or limited.

*Franz Wagner said, “Hopefully it’ll be better tomorrow,” on his calf getting tight in Game 4, and he is going to need an MRI. Franz was really starting to turn a corner with aggressive play and shotmaking, but I’d expect his minutes to be dialed back with a 3-1 lead. Plus, he has some aggravation risk. I wouldn’t play Franz even with his momentum. If he missed, Anthony Black should start, but it might just be Jamal Cain after his excellent Game 4. Black and Cain would be viable.