ORLANDO — The Orlando Magic secured their spot in the 2026 NBA playoffs after dominating the Charlotte Hornets in the play-in tournament and will now face the Detroit Pistons in the first round, with Game 1 tipping off April 19 in Detroit.
The Magic, described as an “upstart” squad heading into the postseason, earned the matchup after dispatching the Hornets convincingly in the play-in round. Orlando will enter the series as the lower seed, traveling to Detroit for the opening games of the best-of-seven series.
The Pistons, who locked up their playoff position before the play-in concluded, have been preparing for whichever opponent emerged from the play-in bracket. Detroit now faces an Orlando team that carries momentum from its decisive play-in victory over Charlotte.
The Magic’s playoff appearance continues the franchise’s recent trajectory back toward postseason contention at Kia Center in downtown Orlando. The first-round series represents a significant step for a young Orlando roster looking to prove itself against a Detroit team that has re-established its own playoff credentials.
The series opens April 19 in Detroit, with Game 2 also in Detroit before the series shifts to Orlando. A potential Game 5 is scheduled for May 1 if the series extends that far.