The Orlando Magic head into the new year eagerly awaiting the return of their two best players. In the meantime, they’ll strive to maintain their precarious lead in the Southeast Division.
The Magic closed out 2024 with 20 wins despite major oblique injuries to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. As they prepare to visit the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, they’ll aim to kick off 2025 on a positive note.
Banchero, who is ramping up his on-court activities, has only played five games this season. Franz Wagner has been sidelined since December 6. Adding to their woes, Moritz Wagner, Franz’s brother and a key reserve, is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL. Lead guard Jalen Suggs exited Sunday’s 102-101 win over Brooklyn in the second quarter due to a right wrist sprain.
These injuries have sidelined all four of Orlando’s double-digit scorers. Yet, the Magic have managed to hold the best record in their division, fending off challenges from Atlanta and Miami.
A bright spot for Orlando has been rookie forward Tristan da Silva, who has averaged 14.3 points over the last seven games and scored a team-high 21 points against the Nets. Suggs is listed as probable for Wednesday, but if he cannot play, Cole Anthony and Cory Joseph are expected to absorb his minutes.
The Pistons are coming off a productive 3-1 road trip, with victories over Phoenix, the Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento before falling to Denver. Despite the 134-121 loss to the Nuggets, optimism remains high as the Pistons have already matched their win total from last season.
Unlike the Magic, the Pistons have avoided major injuries, allowing Coach Bickerstaff to establish continuity and a solid rotation. Everything revolves around Cade Cunningham, who is averaging 24.0 points, 9.7 assists, and 6.7 rebounds. Although Cunningham was limited to 17 points against the Nuggets, he averaged 27 points and 11 assists in the three road wins.
One of the key additions for Detroit has been reserve guard Malik Beasley, a candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Beasley is averaging 21.5 points over the last six games and 16.7 points for the season.
This game marks the second of three meetings between the Magic and Pistons this season. In their first matchup, the Wagner brothers combined for 48 points in a 111-100 Orlando victory on November 23.
Both teams are eager to start the new year with a win. Orlando will look to continue their strong play despite the injuries, while Detroit aims to build on their recent successes. It promises to be an exciting contest with plenty of action on both ends of the court.
