The Magic find themselves on the cusp of history in the first round, having swept aside the top-seeded Pistons in three of their first four matchups.
Game 5 could serve as something of a coronation for Orlando, a side expected to underwhelm heading into the postseason. The Magic have left Detroit’s high-octane offense ghost-quiet, surrendering just 98.0 points per contest, the lowest mark of the postseason.
The Pistons remain in the fight — such is the case when you’ve won 60 games. Nevertheless, things remain hairy for the Cade Cunningham-led side, who tallied 88 points in its loss to Orlando on Monday, its lowest total in four seasons.
The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Wednesday’s Game 5 between the Pistons and the Magic. Follow below for highlights, results and more from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
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Pistons vs. Magic live updates, highlights from Game 5 of NBA playoffs
(All times Eastern)
7:46 p.m.: The good times continue to roll for Detroit, whose lead has swollen to a game-high 14.
End of first quarter: Pistons 38, Magic 26
7:39 p.m.: Cunningham finishes with aplomb at the rim as the Pistons extend their lead to 12 at the first quarter break! That’s just what Detroit’s faithful was hoping for!
7:35 p.m.: The Pistons have opened up a double-digit advantage early in this one, benefiting from a lively performance on the offensive boards. Detroit’s free throw toils have continued. But as long as it sets off fireworks on the glass, it will be hard for the Magic to get back into this one.
7:21 p.m.: Orlando has worked its way back into this one, forcing a series of turnovers to overcome their fouling ways. The Pistons hold a three-point advantage at the first media timeout. They’re already in the bonus.
7:15 p.m.: The Magic has tallied five fouls in the opening two minutes of action. Not an ideal start for Orlando in this one.
7:10 p.m.: And we’re off! The Pistons win the tip-off to kick things off at Little Caesars Arena.
7:00 p.m.: Here’s a look at both side’s starting fives ahead of tonight’s contest. Jamal Cain will fill in for Wagner.
first five on the floor 🪄
watch → https://t.co/BmL8OLn5dT pic.twitter.com/2Pr5ayKWHs
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 29, 2026
First five @Kia pic.twitter.com/WSkKlxzvgI
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) April 29, 2026
6:45 p.m.: Both Franz Wagner and Jonathan Isaac are missing in action from tonight’s contest for the Magic due to injury. That should serve as a boost to a Pistons side in desperate need of it.
Forwards Jonathan Isaac (left knee sprain) and Franz Wagner (right calf strain) will not play tonight at Detroit in Game 5 of the First Round series.
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 29, 2026
MORE PISTONS-MAGIC NEWS:
Where to watch Pistons vs. Magic in NBA playoffsPistons vs. Magic Game 5 start timeDate: Wednesday, April 29Time: 7 p.m. ET
Game 5 between the Pistons and Magic will tip off at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be held at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
What channel is Pistons vs. Magic on today?
Prime Video has the broadcast for Pistons vs. Magic Game 5 on Wednesday night. Ian Eagle and Stan Van Gundy will be on the call along with courtside reporter Cassidy Hubbarth.
Pistons vs. Magic schedule 2026DateGameTime (ET)TV Channel/Live StreamApril 20Game 1: Magic 112, Pistons 101–April 22Game 2: Pistons 98, Magic 83–April 25Game 3: Magic 113, Pistons 105–April 27Game 4: Magic 94, Pistons 88–April 29Game 5: Pistons vs. Magic7 p.m.Prime VideoMay 1*Game 6: Magic vs. Pistons*TBD-May 3*Game 7: Pistons vs. Magic*–
*if necessary