Paolo Banchero once again showed why he’s becoming a standout player in the league on Wednesday, dropping an impressive 42 points in a 121-111 defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Banchero has a chance to continue his hot streak when Orlando faces off against the Detroit Pistons on Friday. Detroit extended its losing streak to 18 games and now holds a 2-19 record after a 116-102 defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.
The Pistons have a tough task ahead as they try to contain the 21-year-old Banchero, who had a stellar performance against Cleveland, shooting 16-of-26 from the field and becoming the second-youngest player in franchise history to score 40 points. Shaquille O’Neal achieved the feat at 20 years old.
Where to watch Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic
- Date: December 8, 2023
- Time: 7 PM ET
- Place: Orlando
- Venue: Amway Center
- TV channel: Bally Sports
- Live stream: Fubo
- NBA League Pass
Injury report
For the Magic, Carter, Fultz, Harris, and Issac will not be playing the game due to injuries. As for the Pistons, Morris and Harris will be sitting this one out due to muscle and shoulder injury.
Key matchups
As the Magic dazzle with their remarkable progress this season, the Pistons find themselves on a contrasting trajectory. Detroit’s current slump, stretching across 18 games, stands as the lengthiest in a single season in the history of the franchise. Not only that, but the Pistons are edging closer to the NBA’s single-season record of 26 consecutive losses, a mark established by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010-11 and matched by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2013-14.
In the defeat against Memphis on Wednesday, Bojan Bogdanovic led the charge for the Pistons with a 22-point performance. Jalen Duren showcased his prowess with 17 points and 11 rebounds, although his game was cut short by a left leg injury in the late stages.
Adding to the ongoing storyline for Coach Monty Williams, the Pistons faced a familiar challenge with minimal contributions from their bench against the Grizzlies. The trio of Alec Burks, Marcus Sasser, and Isaiah Livers pooled together for a modest eight points.
Detroit is crossing its fingers for a better performance in the upcoming game against Orlando, who is keeping a close eye on the condition of guard Jalen Suggs. The seasoned player had to bow out of Wednesday’s match due to a troublesome right ankle.
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