Jaden Ivey’s Return Ignites Hope for Pistons Against Magic
The Detroit Pistons have confirmed that guard Jaden Ivey is set to return to the lineup for their matchup against the Orlando Magic on Saturday night. Initially listed as questionable due to reconditioning following his injury, Ivey’s comeback brings a wave of excitement to Pistons fans and the team alike.
A Season Marked by Injury
Last season, Ivey was a standout for the Pistons, averaging 17.6 points, four rebounds, and four assists per game before suffering a significant injury—a broken fibula. This setback required arthroscopic surgery on his knee in October, sidelining him until late November. Since his return, Ivey has played in three games this season, where he has averaged 9.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and one assist in just 14 minutes of action per game.
Injury Report and Game Preview
As the Pistons gear up for their battle with the Magic, here’s a closer look at the injury situation for both teams:
Injury Report
Magic
Paolo Banchero: Out – Groin
Moritz Wagner: Out – Knee
Colin Castleton: Out – Hand (G League)
Pistons
Jaden Ivey: Available – Return to competition reconditioning
Bobi Klintman: Out – Ankle
Marcus Sasser: Out – Hip
Game Details
Date and Time: Friday, Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m. EST
Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
TV Coverage: FanDuel Sports Network Florida, FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
Radio Broadcast: FM 96.9 The Game/AM 740 WYGM (Orlando), 97.1 The Ticket/WWJ 950 AM (Detroit)
A Closer Look at the Matchup
This game marks the second of four regular season meetings between the Pistons (15-3) and the Magic (11-8). In their previous encounter on October 29, the Pistons defeated the Magic 135-116 in Detroit. Historically, the Magic have had the upper hand against the Pistons, winning three out of four matchups last season. Currently, the Magic hold a 59-72 all-time record against the Pistons, including a strong performance at home with a 41-25 record, while struggling on the road at 18-47.
Projected Starters
Magic
G Jalen Suggs
G Desmond Bane
C Wendell Carter Jr.
F Franz Wagner
F Tristan da Silva
Pistons
G Cade Cunningham
G Duncan Robinson
C Jalen Duren
F Ausar Thompson
F Tobias Harris
Betting Lines
Spread: Magic +3.5 (-114), Pistons -3.5 (-106)
Moneyline: Magic -132, Pistons -156
Total Points: 231.5 (over -105, under -115)
Magic’s Perspective
Jalen Suggs, guard for the Orlando Magic, acknowledged the significance of this game. “We played Detroit already. They have our number this year, so we want to come out and get a win for that,” he said. Suggs understands the stakes, noting that while the NBA Cup is an added incentive, the primary goal is to demonstrate their capabilities against a top contender. “Homecourt advantage is great, but they’re rolling. They’re No. 1 in our conference right now, so we want to play a good basketball game and continue to prove to ourselves that we are who we say we are.”
As both teams prepare for this pivotal clash, the return of Jaden Ivey could provide the spark Detroit needs to maintain their momentum in the season.
