Each NBA postseason, an outlier team expected to pack its bags early somehow shocks the world by advancing to later rounds.
Last season, it was Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers who, thanks to some favorable injury luck, made a magical run to the Finals.
This time around, it’s been the Magic of Orlando and head coach Jahmal Mosley, who on Wednesday could become the seventh No. 8 seed in league history to knock off a No. 1 seed.
Cade Cunningham and the Pistons’ panic meter is ringing, as they find themselves down 1-3 entering Game 5 on the brink of elimination.
Oddsmakers still have faith in the Pistons, settling them as 10-point favorites, but that means close to nothing considering they’ve been favored in each game in the series, only covering once.
Physicality is a specialty for both teams, but it’s been the Magic’s stifling defense on Cunningham and fellow All-Star Jalen Duren that has prevailed.
The heartbeat of the Pistons’ offense is putting up 29.5 points and 7.5 assists, but in four games, Cunningham has turned the ball over 27 times, averaging 6.8 giveaways per game this series.
Orlando has blitzed him with the 6-foot-10 frame of Franz Wagner, who has been instrumental on both ends, attacking Cunningham on offense and making things unbearable for him on defense.
Unfortunately for the Magic, Wagner suffered a calf strain in Game 4, and his status for this contest is uncertain. His importance is evident, as the team has an 8-4 record, including the playoffs, since his return to the lineup on April 1.
If Wagner cannot play in this closeout game, Cunningham will probably be guarded by Anthony Black, who has also performed pretty well opposite him on defense.
However, with his usage rate remaining sky-high and in a win-or-go-home atmosphere, I’m expecting Cunningham to deliver for his team to extend the series at least one more game.
The Pistons are down, but not out, and now have an opportunity on their home court to right the ship.
The Play: Cade Cunningham to record 45 or more points + rebounds + assists (-105, BetMGM)
Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
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