Magic take early 31-28 edge, aim to clinch series against Pistons in Game 6
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ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Magic held a 31-28 advantage over the Detroit Pistons with 9:36 remaining in the second quarter of Game 6 on Friday night, looking to secure a first-round series victory in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Orlando entered the night up 3-2 after stealing Game 5 in Detroit. The Magic, 45-37 during the regular season, are playing at home, where they went 25-15. Detroit finished 60-22 and posted a 28-13 road mark.
Early numbers
Through the first 14 minutes, Orlando shot 50 percent from the field (13-for-26) while Detroit connected on 46 percent (11-for-24). The Magic owned a 15-11 rebounding edge and had committed one turnover to the Pistons’ two.
Forward Taylor da Silva led Orlando with seven points on 3-of-5 shooting. Center Goga Bitadze added four points, four rebounds and a block, including a rejection of Cade Cunningham’s driving layup. Detroit center Jalen Duren paced the Pistons with six points on 3-for-3 from the floor.
Lineups and absences
The Pistons were without guard Kevin Huerter (right thigh). Orlando remained short-handed on the wing as Jonathan Isaac (knee) and Franz Wagner (calf) were sidelined.
At the betting window
Sportsbooks listed Detroit as a 3.5-point favorite at tip-off, with the moneyline set at ‑175 for the Pistons and +135 for the Magic. The over/under opened at 207.5 points.
Game 6 is being streamed exclusively on Prime Video. The officiating crew consists of Mark Lindsay, Zach Zarba, Sean Wright and Jacyn Goble.
If necessary, a decisive Game 7 would be played Sunday in Detroit.
Source: ESPN
