The 2026 NBA playoffs continue with three Game 5s on Wednesday night.
Two teams have the chance to close out their series. The Orlando Magic are looking to pull off an upset against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, and the Los Angeles Lakers can close out the Houston Rockets. The Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers will play a crucial Game 5 with the series tied 2-2.
Magic Seek to Upset Pistons
Game 4 saw the Pistons struggling. Duncan Robinson was being hunted relentlessly on defense, and his shooting (1 for 6 from 3) didn’t help. Jalen Duren has been outplayed by Wendell Carter Jr. throughout the series. When Cade Cunningham goes 7 for 23 from the floor, the Pistons’ chances of winning are slim.
The Magic won Game 4 despite Franz Wagner playing only 25 minutes and picking up a right calf strain. Wagner might miss Wednesday’s Game 5. Desmond Bane was the best player for the Magic in that Game 4 win, and Jamal Cain made a name for himself with a one-handed dunk over Duren.
The Magic have been playing well enough to logically be picked to close out this series Wednesday night. But Detroit are still expected to show some fight on their home floor in an effort to stage a comeback.
Raptors and Cavaliers Locked in Tight Battle
The first three quarters of Game 4 between the Cavaliers and Raptors were forgettable. Both teams had historically poor shooting performances. The Raptors’ defence on Cleveland’s backcourt, along with strong play from Scottie Barnes and rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, secured the win.
The Raptors have shown they can win ugly. After two games of shutting down Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, can that streak continue? When Cleveland’s backcourt is performing well, Toronto has proven it doesn’t have the offensive firepower to keep up. It is more likely that Harden and Mitchell will break out of their slump than Toronto catching fire on offense.
Lakers Aim to Finish off Rockets
Kevin Durant will be out with a bone bruise and sprained ankle. Without him, confidence is low in picking a Rockets team that has been outplayed and outcoached by a Lakers squad riddled with injuries. Even if Durant were playing, the Rockets would likely still lose.
The Lakers are also getting reinforcements in Game 5, with Austin Reaves reportedly expected to play. The team getting healthy at the right time are expected to close out this series.
Looking ahead, the Magic, Lakers and Cavaliers will be aiming to progress to the next round with a victory in their respective Game 5 matchups.