Live Updates: 2026 NBA Playoffs, R1 | Magic look to eliminate Pistons

Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic could eliminate Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons on Prime Video to open tonight’s action.

Welcome to Wednesday night!

Enjoy the best of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news and highlights from tonight’s action.

Our slate tonight begins with Paolo Banchero’s Magic looking to become the seventh No. 8 seed to knock off a No. 1 seed by defeating Cade Cunningham’s Pistons (7 ET, Prime).

That’ll be followed by a pivotal Game 5 in the Raptors-Cavaliers series (7:30 ET, ESPN) and LeBron James’ Lakers looking to advance to the second round by beating the Rockets (10 ET, ESPN).


APRIL 29, 2026 / 7:17 ET

Pistons up early

Cade Cunningham (2 pts, 1 ast) was able to take Jamal Cain into the paint for a fadeaway jumper, taking advantage of an option that’s been difficult to access with Franz Wagner on the floor.

Jaren Duren (7 pts, 3 reb) has continued his hot start, while Desmond Bane (7 pts) and Paolo Banchero (6 pts) are out of the gates fast for Orlando.

18-13 Pistons with 6:05 to go in the first.


APRIL 29, 2026 / 7:10 ET

Duren starts the game on the attack

Jalen Duren (2 pts) starts the game by posting up Wendell Carter Jr. on the block, spinning to draw the foul. The Pistons need him to be aggressive.

Duren’s averaging 9.8 ppg in this series — down from his season average of 19.5 ppg.


APRIL 29, 2026 / 6:30 ET

Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons look to keep their season alive against the Orlando Magic tonight on Prime.

Orlando:

  • PG Jalen Suggs
    • The Magic floor general is an athletic, defensive pest, but his shooting comes-and-goes. 
  • SG Desmond Bane
    • Bane has been a terror from 3-point range throughout this series — his spacing is key for Orlando.
  • SF Jamal Cain
    • Cain’s huge slam was a game-changer in Game 4. He’s an athletic, prototypical wing — how will this stage suit him?
  • PF Paolo Banchero
    • Banchero is shooting just 37.3% from the field this series, but he remains a threat for the Pistons to counter.
  • C Wendell Carter Jr.
    • Watch the Magic center — he’s outplayed Jalen Duren throughout this series, swinging the momentum.

Detroit:

  • PG Cade Cunningham
    • The Pistons’ leader is grinding his way to his stats, but needs help from his supporting cast.
  • SG Duncan Robinson
    • Robinson came up huge for the Miami Heat during past playoff runs. Can he summon that energy tonight for Detroit?
  • SF Ausar Thompson
    • Thompson’s two-way impact is meaningful, but his lack of burst scoring has hampered Detroit’s attack.
  • PF Tobias Harris
    • The former Magic has been a steadying for Orlando in this series, but hasn’t been able to punch above his weight.
  • C Jalen Duren
    • The first-time All-Star has a big game ahead of him tonight. Can he rally his squad?

Watch Caris LeVert off the Pistons’ bench — Detroit could use a big game from a swing scorer in this defensive, physical series.


APRIL 29, 2026 / 6:00 ET

Wednesday’s injury report

Jonathan Isaac and Franz Wagner are out for Orlando. Kevin Huerter is out for Detroit.

Immanuel Quickley is out for the Raptors.

Kevin Durant is out for the Rockets, as is Luka Dončić for the Lakers. Austin Reaves is questionable.

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