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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham drives past Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner during their first-round playoff series. Wagner was ruled out for Game 5 with a calf injury as Detroit faces elimination.

The Detroit Pistons have finalized their starting lineup for a do-or-die Game 5 against the Orlando Magic — and the stakes couldn’t be higher as their season hangs in the balance.

Detroit will start Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren on Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena, according to the team’s official release.

But the matchup shifted significantly even before tipoff.

Orlando will be without forward Franz Wagner, who was ruled out with a strained right calf after exiting Game 4 late in the third quarter.

“It changes things in a big way,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said.

Cade Cunningham Calls Out Pistons’ Struggles

Even with Wagner sidelined, the Pistons face a steep climb.

Detroit trails 3-1 in the series, leaving just two outcomes: become only the 14th team in NBA history to rally from a 3-1 deficit — or join the 2007 Dallas Mavericks and 2011 San Antonio Spurs as top seeds eliminated in the first round.

Cunningham didn’t hide his frustration after Game 4.

“The way we’ve been playing, that stuff’s not good enough to win games,” Cunningham said. “They’re outrebounding us, turning me over, we haven’t hit enough shots, our defense hasn’t caught its foot. So, it’s not shocking we’re losing games playing like that.”

Detroit’s struggles have been evident across the board. In Game 4, the Pistons made just six 3-pointers, committed 20 turnovers and were whistled for 29 fouls in a 94-88 loss.

Those issues have translated into a dramatic offensive drop-off. After posting a 117.9 offensive rating during the regular season, Detroit has been held to just 99.5 against Orlando.

Pistons Starting 5 Faces Must-Win Pressure

The starting lineup reflects Detroit’s core identity, with Cunningham leading the offense and Robinson spacing the floor.

Thompson and Harris provide versatility and experience on the wings, while Duren anchors the interior against Wendell Carter Jr.

Execution will be the key.

Detroit must limit turnovers, improve shot selection and match Orlando’s physicality on the glass — areas Cunningham specifically pointed to after the loss.

Franz Wagner Injury Alters Orlando Rotation

GettyFranz Wagner of the Orlando Magic will miss Game 5 with a strained right calf.

Wagner’s absence is a significant loss for Orlando.

He had 19 points before leaving Game 4 and has averaged nearly 17 points and 5.5 rebounds in the series. The former Michigan standout also averaged 20.6 points during the regular season despite being limited to 34 games.

Jamal Cain stepped in during Game 4, delivering key energy plays, including a powerful dunk and a go-ahead tip-in late in the fourth quarter.

Still, Wagner’s two-way impact will be difficult to replace.

Pistons Focused on Extending Series

Despite the shift, Detroit isn’t changing its approach.

“We have to make sure we’re at our best no matter who they put on the floor,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said.

For the Pistons, Game 5 represents a defining moment.

They must correct the mistakes Cunningham highlighted or see their season come to an abrupt end.

The path forward is simple, even if the task is not.

Win, and the series continues.

Lose, and Detroit’s playoff run — once filled with promise — becomes a cautionary tale.