The Detroit Pistons have received a major boost ahead of Game 6 against the Orlando Magic, as star forward Franz Wagner has been officially ruled out with a right calf strain. The injury, which kept him sidelined for Game 5, continues to be a significant blow to Orlando's playoff hopes.

Wagner's absence was deeply felt in Wednesday's matchup at Little Caesars Arena, where the Pistons clawed their way to a 116-109 victory to stave off elimination. The win forces a decisive Game 6 back in Orlando on Friday, shifting momentum in this first-round series.

For Pistons fans, this is a familiar and welcome sight—Wagner, who played his college ball at Michigan, exited Game 4 late in the third quarter with 19 points and hasn't returned since. His presence on both ends of the floor has been a cornerstone of Orlando's success this season, and without him, the Magic looked a step slow on defense.

"I hate to miss any game, especially in this situation," Wagner told reporters before Game 5. "You've got to be careful with this kind of injury." And careful they've been, but that caution has opened the door for Detroit's offense to thrive.

The numbers tell the story: Cade Cunningham, the Pistons' rising star, erupted for a franchise playoff-record 45 points in Game 5. Over the first four games, with Wagner as his primary defender, Cunningham shot just 7-for-22 when matched up against him. Without Wagner's length and quickness hounding him, Cunningham found his rhythm and couldn't be stopped. Jamal Cain, the Pontiac native and Oakland alumnus, stepped into the starting lineup but struggled to contain Cunningham, finishing with five points and four rebounds while going 3-for-7 from the free-throw line.

For the Pistons, Wagner's absence means a clearer path to the basket and more freedom for Cunningham to dictate the game. For the Magic, it's a test of depth and resilience as they try to close out the series at home. Either way, Friday's Game 6 promises to be a must-watch showdown.