basketball | Wednesday, October 19, 2022 1:34 PM

Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic Best Bet: Back Detroit in Season Opener

Sam Cox

Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic Best Bet: Wednesday, October 19th

The Celtics and Warriors claimed wins on opening night, and the 2022-23 NBA season tips off for 24 more teams on Wednesday evening. There are debuts galore across the Association, including a raft of exciting rookies and some high-profile acquisitions.

Two lottery teams from last season meet in Detroit as the Pistons play host to the Orlando Magic. These teams are probably heading for the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes, but there is talent on these two rosters, and they could make a push for the Play-In tournament if there is sufficient player development and good health.

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Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic Preview
Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic Best Bet

Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic Preview

Thu, Oct 20. 00:00 (UK time)

There is reserved optimism about both of these rebuilding teams. Detroit was competitive down the stretch last season and has added veterans alongside the high-upside draft selections of Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivey. Orlando has Jonathan Isaac back in the fold, plus they landed the first overall pick in the lottery and selected Paolo Banchero.

Cade Cunningham made massive strides after the All-Star break, and comes into the new season as a candidate for Most Improved Player. The Pistons moved to surround Cunningham with shooting – the trade for Bojan Bogdanovic should really help their spacing. Slotting Saddiq Bey and Bogdanovic next to Cunningham will open up his game further, and he has already proven himself as one of the league’s better playmakers. This offence will be good to watch.

Orlando is still dealing with a logjam in the backcourt. No player has really grabbed a guard spot just yet, with Jalen Suggs struggling as a rookie, Markelle Fultz still a work in progress and Cole Anthony seeming more like a Sixth Man. The Magic have an exciting frontcourt in Banchero, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr, but the Pistons look a more-rounded team at the moment.

Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic Best Bet

Even with Marvin Bagley III out, Detroit has options in the frontcourt to try and keep Banchero and Wagner under control. The toughness of Isaiah Stewart is invaluable, and Nerlens Noel is a very useful shot-blocker off the bench. Bogdanovic is not a lockdown defender, but his experience will be helpful.

Orlando went 10-31 on the road last season. There should be a decent atmosphere at Little Caesars Arena, which will test the mettle of this young team. The Pistons won three of four against the Magic in 2021-22.

Detroit is deserving favourites in what will be an entertaining game, featuring many of the league’s best young talents. This may well come down to fourth quarter execution, a factor which puts us off backing the Pistons to cover even with a small spread. Cunningham, though, is the player who inspires the most confidence in clutch situations with his ability to create for himself and others.