Opponent Scouting: Orlando Magic (9-40)
Tonight at 7:00pm EST the Detroit Pistons are on the road in Orlando to face the Magic. The Pistons are on two days of rest after losing to the Nuggets while the Magic are on one day of rest after losing to the Clippers.
The Them:
The Magic own the distinction of being the one team in the league who is clearly worse than the Pistons. The Magic have the 28th ranked offense in the league and the 23rd ranked defense. Both of those actually rank slightly above the Pistons so maybe they are not actually worse than the Pistons. Now I feel bad.
The Magic are without many of the players who would otherwise be notable to serious injuries. Micheal Carter-Williams, Markelle Fultz, R.J. Hampton, Jonathan Isaac, and E’Twuan Moore are all out.
2nd year guard has stepped up as somewhat of a leader in the current squad, he is tough and fearless although his efficiency is not good. Rookie Franz Wagner has been genuinely excellent all around on the wing, fellow rookie Jalen Suggs has been underwhelming due to terrible shooting but he still has his flashes. With Suggs think almost like if Cade never busted out of his early shooting slump.
Wendell Carter has quietly been solid coming from Chicago and Mo Bamba has shown life in ways he hadn’t really done before. Gary Harris is a competent off-guard, Terrence Ross can shoot, Mo Wagner is a thorn.
This team has some nice young players but they are comically young. The only real veterans in their rotation are Ross and Harris. 6 of their top 9 minutes guys on the season are 23 or younger. As always, that much youth is a recipe for a terrible team.
Matchups to watch:
Cade vs. Balancing act: Cade does not need to reign in the hero-ball. He does need to learn when to pick his spots. Several times, including last time out, he has clearly ran out of gas. That’s ok, he just needs to make sure he learns from it.
Cade vs. Still shooting: CADE NEEDS TO STILL TAKE IT TO THE ENEMY. His instinct is pass first which is fine, but more pushes to shoot more.
Killian vs. Bench Killian: Coming off the bench is different I guess. The results were not that different but he certainly looked more confident and got to do some stuff he’s better at so hopefully that continues.
Pistons vs Franz Wagner: Wagner has looked like Orlando’s best player this season and they don’t have a great defensive option for him.
Josh Jackson vs. Shutting up: No more techs from the bench Josh. And I say that expecting him to stay on the bench all game.
Frank Jackson vs. Rolling on: Came back and instantly looked good, energized the bench unit. Largely doing what he was before the injury, great to see as he was a bright spot before the injury.
Pistons vs. The Basement: The Pistons and Magic currently are comfortably the worst two teams in the league. Hopefully they win and avoid the disticntion of taking on the lowest spot.
So in conclusion…
Run for the hills if:
Franz Wagner is killing the Pistons.
The Magic bigs are hurting the Pistons inside.
Cade is still tired from carrying the whole team a couple nights ago
Wink knowingly at your friends if:
We really are seeing Cade Cunningham’s origin story.
Frank Jackson is still sniping from deep.
Bench Killian is working
Opportunities for me to look stupid:
Cade has a very good game.
Killian Hayes looks good
Hamidou Diallo scoes 20+
Pistons win 114 - 95
What do you think? Can the Pistons avoid the basement?