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Magic Push Top-Seeded Pistons to Brink as Injuries and Turnovers Recast Round 1

Turnovers, injuries, bench surges are defining the first round.

Overview

  • Orlando’s 94-88 win on Monday put the Magic up 3-1 on Detroit, with the Pistons’ 20 turnovers proving costly as the series shifts to Detroit for a potential closeout on Wednesday.
  • The Pistons, who entered the playoffs as the East’s No. 1 seed, now need three straight wins to avoid a first-round exit to the No. 8 seed.
  • Detroit listed Kevin Huerter as questionable with left hip soreness before Game 4, tightening options for coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s perimeter rotation.
  • Minnesota leads Denver 3-1 but will be without Anthony Edwards for at least the near term due to a left knee bone bruise, while Donte DiVincenzo is out for the postseason with a torn Achilles and Ayo Dosunmu’s 43-point Game 4 outburst has helped fill the gap.
  • Houston extended its series with a 115-96 Game 4 win over the Lakers as LeBron James committed eight turnovers, and Kevin Durant’s bone bruise has left his availability uncertain as the Rockets pursue round-the-clock treatment to get him back for elimination games.