The Orlando Magic secured the No. 8 seed after a hard‑fought win over the Charlotte Hornets, setting up a decisive Game 5 against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. With a 3‑1 series lead, Orlando hopes to become only the seventh eighth‑seeded team to topple a top‑seeded rival.

Detroit, finishing 60‑22, has not won a playoff series since 2008 and faces a 10.5‑point spread favoring the Pistons. The Magic’s 94‑88 victory, powered by a 22‑point night from Desmond Bane, keeps the historic 3‑0 series‑deficit reversal scenario alive.

Across the board, the Raptors host the Cavaliers in a series where home teams won the first four games, while the Penguins confront the Flyers in Game 6 of the Battle of Pennsylvania. Both matchups carry the weight of past 3‑0 lead collapses that defined the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Mets tackle the Nationals in a three‑game set at Citi Field, with the Mets aiming to close out the series after a 15‑0 win in the opener. Each contest delivers clear implications for season trajectories and playoff legacies.