The Detroit Pistons find themselves where no number 1 seed wants to be. They are currently on the losing end of their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic.
The Pistons had the third-best record in the NBA and the best record in the Eastern Conference but are just one game from elimination by the eighth seed Magic. Losing to any bottom seed would be embarrassing enough.
However, considering the Magic's well-known offensive issues and them struggling to even make the playoffs, it would be especially disappointing. Worse yet, it calls into question the Pistons' young core.
The rest of the NBA knew the Pistons' offense was vulnerable
Star Cade Cunningham has disappointed in their first-round series, with him struggling with turnovers. In fact, he set an undesirable NBA record for turnovers in a three-game span.
Cade Cunningham has 24 turnovers in his last three games.
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) April 28, 2026
That's the most TOs in a 3-game span in the playoffs since TO were first officially tracked in 1977-78. pic.twitter.com/D7Z2O0uM0A
Then there is Jalen Duren, who suddenly seems to have lost his fire and motivation.
With no clear signs of life, the Pistons' season has ground to a halt. Despite exceeding expectations at every turn, everyone who watched Detroit this season probably wasn't blown away by their offense.
They ranked 10th in offensive rating but mostly relied on their second-ranked defense to carry them in a weaker conference. However, the warning signs were there.
The Pistons ranked second-to-last in 3-point attempts and below-average in 3-point percentage. To their credit, the Pistons ranked third in free throw attempts by averaging 26.3 per game.
Unsurprisingly, with the playoffs being slower-paced, as well as having better defenses and fewer fouls, Detroit's offense has run into problems.
The Detroit Pistons' season hangs in the balance
The Magic have plenty of length and have packed the paint, with the Pistons unable to make them pay shooting from outside.
Interestingly enough, the Magic are up 3-1 despite shooting below 40% from the field in the series. That is unfathomable, but it really boils down to turnovers and free throws.
The Pistons are shooting .419 for the series. That’s pretty bad.
— Keith Black Trudeau (@Charlottean28) April 28, 2026
Orlando is shooting .387.
Orlando has attempted 351 shots and 120 FTs
The Pistons have attempted 329 shots and 102 FTs.
That’s the series right there. The empty possessions have killed this team.
The Pistons are turning the ball over five times more per game than the Magic and are getting to the line less. Factor in them not getting any easy shots in the half court, and the Pistons are losing a rock fight with a team that's known for having a shaky offense. Go figure.
All hope isn't lost for the Pistons just yet. They still have Game 5 and Game 7 back in Detroit. They will obviously have to dramatically cut down on turnovers, which have allowed the Magic to gain the upperhand simply by taking five more shots per game than Detroit does.
This has nothing to do with Cade and quite a bit to do with the fact that the Pistons have no shooting so the Magic are free to pack the paint as aggressively as they want.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) April 28, 2026
I still believe in the 22 year old that's about to make an All-NBA Team. That shouldn't be controversial. https://t.co/QgyZrYfUkq
If they can, and if stars such as Cunningham and Duren play like they did in the regular season, there is still time for Detroit to avert disaster.
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