Magic vs. Spurs: 3 Keys to Watch as Orlando Looks to Keep Momentum Rolling
The Orlando Magic are starting to look like a team rediscovering its rhythm. After a rough stretch that tested their depth and patience, back-to-back wins have brought some much-needed optimism. But the next test comes on the road against a young, talented San Antonio Spurs squad - and there’s plenty to unpack heading into this matchup.
Let’s break down three key storylines that could define this one.
1. When the Shots Fall, Everything Changes
Basketball can be complicated, but sometimes it’s as simple as this: make your shots, and life gets a whole lot easier.
That’s been the story for Orlando lately. For a team that’s struggled all season from beyond the arc - sitting near the bottom of the league in both 3-point percentage (34.3%) and makes per game (11.3) - the last two games have felt like a breath of fresh air.
Against Miami, the Magic knocked down 16 threes. Two nights later in Toronto?
They hit 17 more. It marked the first time since early January that Orlando shot above 40% from deep in consecutive games.
That kind of shooting opens everything up. It gives Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner (when healthy) more space to operate.
It makes the defense think twice about collapsing in the paint. And it gives this team a puncher's chance against anyone.
San Antonio knows the value of shot-making, too. Even with the gravitational pull of Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have hovered around the same 3-point percentage as Orlando - 34.7%. They’ve got capable shooters, but the consistency hasn’t been there.
In a game like this, where both teams are still trying to find their shooting identity, whoever gets hot from deep could tilt the balance.
2. Can Jonathan Isaac Be the Wemby Answer?
Victor Wembanyama is already rewriting what we expect from a 7-foot-4 player. He’s not just a towering shot-blocker - he’s a perimeter threat, a ball-handler, and a matchup nightmare. Slowing him down is easier said than done.
But if there’s a player on the Magic built to take on that challenge, it’s Jonathan Isaac.
Isaac’s combination of length, mobility, and defensive instincts makes him one of the few players in the league who can credibly switch onto Wembanyama and not immediately be at a disadvantage. And the early returns suggest he’s done a solid job in their limited head-to-head minutes.
According to tracking data, Wembanyama has scored nine points on 4-of-9 shooting in just over seven minutes matched up against Isaac across three career games. That’s a small sample, sure, but it includes a particularly strong showing from Isaac in their first meeting - including a highlight-reel block that set the tone.
More importantly, Isaac has been finding his rhythm again. He was a defensive force in the win over Miami and brought steady energy in Toronto. With his minutes trending upward and his impact growing, expect him to be a central piece of the Magic’s game plan to contain Wemby.
3. Momentum Is Building - and So Is Confidence
Desmond Bane may not be the face of this Magic team, but he’s become one of its most steady voices. And lately, he’s been letting his game do the talking.
Over the last five games, Bane has been on fire from deep - hitting nearly 53% of his threes (18-for-34). Stretch that out to the last 10 games, and he’s still north of 40%. That kind of shooting gives Orlando another reliable weapon, especially as the offense has started to click in other areas.
But it’s more than just the numbers. Bane has been preaching patience and positivity even during the team’s struggles.
After a pair of tough losses to Cleveland, he insisted the team was trending in the right direction. Now, with two wins under their belt, it’s starting to feel like he was onto something.
This group looks more connected. The ball is moving.
The defensive intensity is back. And while there’s still a long road ahead, the Magic are starting to look like a team that believes in itself again.
Injury Report & Lineups
Magic:
- Franz Wagner remains out with a left high ankle sprain.
- Colin Castleton is out (G-League, two-way).
Spurs:
- Jeremy Sochan is doubtful with left quad soreness.
- Harrison Ingram, Stanley Umude, and David Jones Garcia are all out on G-League assignments.
Projected Starters: Lineups are subject to change, especially with the Spurs dealing with travel delays, but expect the Magic to lean on their recent winning formula - strong defense, balanced scoring, and a heavy dose of Isaac on Wembanyama.
Travel Turmoil Could Tip the Scales
There’s one wild card in this matchup that has nothing to do with X’s and O’s: travel.
The Spurs were stuck in Charlotte after their loss to the Hornets, grounded by a winter storm sweeping through the Southeast. Their flight Sunday morning didn’t make it back to Texas as planned - instead, it was rerouted to Atlanta. At the time of writing, the Spurs weren’t expected back in San Antonio until after noon local time.
That’s not ideal prep for an NBA game, and the league already pushed tipoff from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Central. There’s still a chance the game could be delayed further - or even postponed.
But if it’s played as scheduled, Orlando will have a clear rest and preparation advantage. That could be the difference in a game where both teams are young, athletic, and looking to push the pace.
Of course, the Magic had a similar edge back in December when the Spurs were on the second night of a back-to-back - and San Antonio still pulled off the win in Orlando. So nothing is guaranteed.
Final Word
The Magic are trending upward, and they have a real opportunity to keep that momentum going against a Spurs team that’s dealing with more than just basketball right now. If Orlando brings the same energy, intensity, and - most importantly - shot-making they’ve shown in their last two wins, this is a game they can and should take.
But as always in the NBA, especially on the road, nothing comes easy.