The Detroit Pistons have defied the odds, and now they're heading home for a winner-take-all Game 7 against the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs. After falling into a 3-1 series hole, the top-seeded Pistons have clawed back with two gritty wins—including a jaw-dropping 24-point comeback in Game 6 on the road. That night, they unleashed a staggering 51-13 run and held the Magic to just 4-of-37 shooting in the second half, including a record 23 consecutive misses, to secure a 93-79 victory. It's the kind of resilience that defines championship DNA, and now Detroit has a chance to become just the 15th team in NBA history to rally from a 3-1 series deficit.

The stakes couldn't be higher. A trip to the second round—a place the Pistons haven't visited since 2008—is on the line. And the good news? Game 7 (Sunday, 3:30 p.m., ABC) is on their home court, where they posted a stellar 32-9 record during the regular season. "It's been a lot of adversity so far in this series, and I think we've learned a lot about who we are as a team and what we're made of," said Cade Cunningham, who has been on fire with 77 points combined in Games 5 and 6. "We want to get back to the crib and handle our business at home."

Adding to the Pistons' momentum, the Magic will be without star forward Franz Wagner for the third straight game due to a calf strain. The Michigan alum had been Cunningham's primary defender, and his absence has opened the floor for Detroit's offense to thrive. But the real key to success? Controlling the paint. A clear pattern has emerged through six games: win the rebounding battle, and you win the game. The Pistons gave up 11 offensive rebounds in their Game 1 loss, but bounced back in Game 2 with 17 offensive boards and a dominant 57-42 edge in total rebounds. After struggling to impose their will early in the series, Detroit has adjusted and is now thriving in the trenches. Expect a physical, high-energy battle as the Pistons look to punch their ticket to the second round. Our prediction: Detroit's home-court advantage and rebounding dominance will be the difference-makers in a hard-fought win.