NBA Basketball
2026-04-25 - Detroit Pistons at Orlando Magic
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States : NBA Basketball Playoffs First Round Game 3
Saturday 25th April 2026 - Scheduled 1pm EST
6pm (British Time)
Preview
The opening two games of this First Round Series have been plenty competitive, but one Quarter in each has given one team the momentum to push on and secure the win.
The Number 8 Seeded Orlando Magic came out and put an 8 point lead on the board after the First Quarter of Game 1 and did enough to manage that in an eventual 11 point win to steal home court from the top Seed Detroit Pistons. The physical approach of the Magic looked like it could cause problems on paper and taking that lead in the Series and then battling the Pistons in the first half to a tie in Game 2 will have increased the nerves in the Detroit fanbase.
However, it was a dominant Third Quarter that has allowed Detroit to win Game 2 and level this First Round Series and now they will head out on the road looking to reclaim home court advantage after playing two games in Orlando.
Cade Cunningham had another strong showing, but his fellow starters all showed up in Game 2 and that was the key for the Pistons.
That doesn't mean things have been going perfectly though and Detroit will be looking to find some rhythm from the three point range to try and open this Orlando Defensive scheme up. They are just 16-58 from three point range in this Series and the Pistons were actually less efficient in Game 2 compared with Game 1 so there are some adjustments to be made and shooters need to find their confidence.
It was the Rebounding intensity that proved really important with the Pistons wiping Orlando out on the glass, and so it is up to the Magic to find a way to become more competitive.
After a decent first half showing, Orlando came out and were crushed in the Third Quarter of Game 2, but the players can return home knowing they have achieved what they set out to do and that is take away home court from the top Seed. The shooting numbers were poor by the end of Game 2, but Orlando may have lost their focus and intensity once the blowout was on in the Third Quarter and they can make some adjustments to get back on track.
Games between these teams were competitive in the regular season, but the Detroit Pistons will feel they have some momentum after winning Game 2.
Like a number of teams in this First Round, Detroit have been set as a narrow favourite on the road and that is a position where the higher Seeds have been successful in Game 3 of recent Series.
Number 1 Seeds have been a decent back at 10-7 against the spread when set as a favourite of 2.5 points or less, while Orlando are an underdog in a range where those teams have struggled in Game 3.
There has been a lot to like about Orlando, but this Detroit team can match them physically and will always feel they have a chance with the best player on the court in Cade Cunningham as long as the other starters and role players can offer some support.
Prediction
Look for the Number 1 Seed to take back home court advantage in this First Round Series at the first opportunity.
The Pick :
Orlando Magic 97-103 Detroit Pistons
