Magic vs. Warriors Preview: Orlando Looks to Build Momentum Out West
The Orlando Magic are in the Bay Area tonight, set to take on the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET, and while the Magic are underdogs at +5.5, they’re coming in with some real momentum-and maybe a little extra help on the way.
Injury Report:
Let’s start with who’s in and who’s out. Orlando could get a boost with the possible return of rookie forward Tristan da Silva, who’s listed as questionable with a shoulder issue.
His return would be timely, given how banged up the Magic frontcourt is right now. Franz Wagner (ankle) and Moritz Wagner (knee) are both out, and Jalen Suggs is doubtful with a hip injury.
Colin Castleton remains out on a G League assignment.
Golden State isn’t at full strength either. Seth Curry is sidelined with a glute injury, and veteran big man Al Horford remains out due to a sciatic nerve issue.
Magic Riding High After Wild OT Win in Utah
Orlando is fresh off a dramatic 128-127 overtime win over the Jazz, a game that had just about everything. Desmond Bane was the hero, pouring in 32 points and hitting the game-winning layup with just 0.9 seconds left in OT. Bane’s been a steadying force for this young Magic squad, and his late-game poise was on full display.
Paolo Banchero flirted with a triple-double-23 points, nine boards, and nine assists-and continues to look like the franchise cornerstone Orlando hoped he’d be. Rookie Anthony Black chipped in 20 points, and Noah Penda notched his first career double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, showing flashes of why the Magic are so high on his upside.
But this one wasn’t easy. Orlando led by 19 in the second half and still had a 16-point cushion with under seven minutes left in regulation.
That’s when Utah stormed back, closing regulation on a 24-8 run to force overtime. Banchero had a chance to win it at the buzzer, but his shot rimmed out.
In OT, with the Magic clinging to a three-point lead, Keyonte George hit a clutch four-point play to put the Jazz up one. But with the game on the line, Wendell Carter Jr. found Bane at the top of the key, and Bane sliced through the defense for the go-ahead bucket. One final defensive stand later, and Orlando walked away with a gutsy road win.
Last Time These Teams Met...
The last time the Magic and Warriors squared off, Orlando snapped a four-game skid against Golden State with a 121-113 win at home. That game was all about balance-six Magic players scored in double figures, led by Bane’s 23.
Anthony Black gave the bench a huge lift with 21 points, while Franz Wagner added 18. Carter Jr. was a force inside, posting a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
That game also marked a milestone night for Stephen Curry. He dropped 34 points and passed Vince Carter for 22nd on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Jimmy Butler III added a season-high 33, making it just the second time he and Curry both topped 30 in the same game since Butler joined the Warriors. Unfortunately for Golden State, both of those games ended in losses.
Draymond Green had 12 points and reached another career milestone of his own-becoming just the second player in franchise history to record 900 blocks, joining Adonal Foyle.
Projected Starters:
Warriors
- G: Stephen Curry
- G: Moses Moody
- C: Quinten Post
- F: Draymond Green
- F: Jimmy Butler III
Magic
- F: Desmond Bane
- F: Paolo Banchero
- C: Wendell Carter Jr.
- G: Tyus Jones
- G: Anthony Black
What to Watch Tonight
This one’s going to be about tempo, toughness, and timely contributions. Orlando’s depth will be tested again, especially if da Silva isn’t ready to go. But this team has shown it can get big minutes from unexpected places-Penda’s emergence being the latest example.
Golden State, meanwhile, is still trying to find consistency. Curry and Butler can put up numbers, no question, but the Warriors need more from their supporting cast if they want to avoid another letdown against a young, hungry Magic team.
And don’t sleep on the Bane-Banchero combo. Bane’s leadership and scoring touch have been invaluable, and Banchero continues to evolve into a do-it-all star. If Orlando’s defense can hold up and they get another strong showing from their bench, they’ve got a real shot to steal one on the road.
Quotable:
Desmond Bane on rookie Noah Penda:
“Yeah, I mean there’s no doubt, we have the utmost confidence in him. He made a bunch of plays-offensive rebound, defensive blocks, had the drive and dump off to Wendell.
He’s a pro’s pro. He been a pro since he was like, how old?
- I wasn’t even driving a car yet, and he already a pro basketball player.
So, you know, ain’t no question about whether he’s ready for these moments.”
Bottom Line:
The Magic are playing with swagger, and even with injuries, they’ve shown they can hang with anyone.
The Warriors have the names and the firepower, but Orlando’s youth and grit make this matchup anything but predictable. Don’t be surprised if this one goes down to the wire.
Again.