Sports
Pistons vs. Magic schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round series
April 18, 2026
Source: Yahoo Sports · Read on source site
Pistons vs. Magic schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Two years after winning just 14 games to finish with the league's worst record, the Detroit Pistons enter the NBA Playoffs as the top seed in the East for the first time since 2007.
After falling in a closely contested first-round series with the Knicks last spring, Cade Cunningham and Co. are heavy favorites as they begin their postseason run against the Orlando Magic, who survived the Play-In Tournament to reach the main event.
The Magic fell in Philadelphia in the Play-In opener before mauling the Hornets to clinch the No. 8 seed. Now Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane will try to help Orlando win a playoff series for the first time since 2010. The Magic have dropped six first-round series since then, including each of the last two years.
Orlando enters with momentum but the rested Pistons will like their chances to move forward as they start down the road they hope will lead them to their first NBA title since 2004.
Here's what you need to know to watch Pistons vs. Magic, including broadcast information and start times.
Pistons vs. Magic schedule
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun., April 19 | Game 1 at Detroit | 6:30 p.m. | NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV |
| Wed., April 22 | Game 2 at Detroit | 7 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, DIRECTV |
| Sat., April 25 | Game 3 at Orlando | 1 p.m. | Peacock |
| Mon., April 27 | Game 4 at Orlando | TBD | TBD |
| Wed., April 29 | Game 5 at Detroit* | TBD | TBD |
| Fri., May 1 | Game 6 at Orlando* | TBD | TBD |
| Sun., May 3 | Game 7 at Detroit* | TBD | TBD |
* if necessary
Where to watch Pistons vs. Magic: TV channels, live streams
The Pistons vs. Magic series will air across multiple platforms thanks to the NBA's expanded broadcast deal, which will see games split among the ESPN networks, NBC and Peacock.
Games on ABC, ESPN networks and NBC can be streamed live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users.
Fans can also turn to the streaming homes for each broadcast partner — Peacock or the ESPN app — for games on those platforms.
NBA Playoffs bracket 2026
Click here for the updated 2026 NBA Playoffs bracket from The Sporting News.
NBA Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2025
Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Play-In Tournament | April 14-17 |
| First round begins | April 18 |
| Conference semifinals begin | May 4* |
| NBA Draft Lottery | May 10 |
| Eastern Conference finals begin | May 19* |
| Western Conference finals begin | May 20* |
| NBA Finals begin | June 3 |
| NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 19 |
| NBA Draft | June 23-24 |
* Can move up depending on earlier series