Pistons vs. Magic: 3 Big Things to Watch

ORLANDO - After over a week-long break, the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic are back on the hardwood.

In the first matchup between the two teams in nearly two months, the Magic looks to pick up the first win of the four-game season series.

Here are three things to watch in this Eastern Conference showdown...

Hampton Suiting Up?

Former Magic guard R.J. Hampton has been busy over the past 48 hours.

After being waived by Orlando on Tuesday, the 2020 first-round pick didn't have to wait long at all to be picked up by Detroit.

The 21-year-old guard, who played 23 games this year for Orlando, will look to find a role in a young Pistons roster without Cade Cunningham for the rest of the season.

It is unclear if Hampton will suit up in his first opportunity for Detroit, but would surely make for some fireworks.

What is Bitadze's Impact?

One of the lone acquisitions for Orlando following the trade deadline was signing former Indiana Pacers big man Goga Bitadze.

A 'G League weapon,' Bitadze will look to find a role in a frontcourt rotation consisting of Wendell Carter Jr., Bol Bol and Moe Wagner.

"I still think Goga is going to be a nice NBA player. I felt like early on he was a worker but he was kind of learning. I thought this year he worked as hard as he’s ever worked. I’m hopeful," Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard said.

Can Orlando Begin Final Season Push?

With 23 games left in the season and four games back from the final Play-In spot, the Magic will look to climb into playoff contention over the final stretch.

Starting tonight, Orlando will need to play above .500 basketball over the next six weeks - something they've done well the past two and a half months.

Posting a top-ten defense over its past 34 games, that has translated directly to wins in the scoreboard - posting a 19-15 record over that span.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.

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