Heading into this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons were closely linked to one another. It isn’t because they’re bitter Central Divisional rivals. Nor was it the fact that the Cavs own a double-digit winning streak against the Pistons.

Franz Wagner scored 25 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter, Paolo Banchero had 32 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and the Orlando Magic snapped a five-game losing streak by beating the Detroit Pistons 121-113.

For the second time this season, coach J.B. Bickerstaff left Cleveland with a defeat, as the Pistons lost, 110-91.

Ahead of his second return to Cleveland, coach J.B. Bickerstaff is thriving at the helm of the Pistons' rebuilding project.

The Cavs gave the Pistons a dose of J.B. Bickerstaff's defensive medicine, yet Cleveland needs to consistently meet a standard its old coach set on D.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff strolls the court at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse like he’s running for office. Look one way, shake hands. Look another, big hug. Now look alive, because Cavs guard Darius Garland is beelining toward his old coach. They meet; they; embrace; they playfully shove each other.

JB Bickerstaff gave his take on Gilbert Arenas saying Cade Cunningham needs to leave the Pistons for a "big city".

After weeks without their third-year guard, JB Bickerstaff reveals what the Pistons miss most without Jaden Ivey on the court.

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris, left, Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, center top, and Pistons' Cade Cunningham (2) reach for a rebound in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) AP

The postseason will be the true test, but the Cavs have looked like a different team. So do the Pistons. Both teams should be delighted.

Currently sitting in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, the Detroit Pistons are in a position to be a buyer at the trade deadline. With less than two weeks