Injury Report and Game Preview: Magic vs. Thunder
Injury Report:
Magic:
- Anthony Black: Out (Stomach)
- Colin Castleton: Out (G League)
- Jonathan Isaac: Out (Knee)
- Alex Morales: Out (G League)
- Franz Wagner: Out (Ankle)
- Jett Howard: Questionable (Illness)
Thunder:
- Brooks Barnhizer: Out (G League)
- Branden Carlson: Out (Back)
- Thomas Sorber: Out (Knee)
- Jalen Williams: Out (Hamstring)
- Nikola Topic: Out (G League)
Game Preview:
Tip-off: 7 p.m. at Kia Center, Orlando
TV Coverage: FanDuel Sports Network
Betting Line: Magic +9.5
Last Game Recap for the Magic:
The Magic saw their seven-game winning streak snapped as they fell to Atlanta, 124-112. Nickeil Alexander-Walker was on fire, dropping a career-high 41 points with a sizzling 9-of-14 from beyond the arc.
His performance tied the record for most points scored by an Atlanta player against Orlando. Jalen Johnson also shone brightly with a triple-double, tallying 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists.
For the Magic, Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane both contributed 18 points, with Banchero adding 10 rebounds to his stat line. Despite their efforts, the Magic struggled on the boards, getting outrebounded 54-40, including a 15-8 deficit on the offensive glass. The Hawks' ball movement was a key factor, as they racked up 33 assists and built a commanding 34-21 lead by the end of the first quarter, extending it to as much as 29 points in the second half.
Projected Starters:
Magic:
- F Tristan da Silva
- F Paolo Banchero
- C Wendell Carter Jr.
- G Desmond Bane
- G Jalen Suggs
Thunder:
- F Alex Caruso
- F Chet Holmgren
- C Isaiah Hartenstein
- G Luguentz Dort
- G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Quotable:
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley reflected on the loss to Atlanta, emphasizing the need for better communication on defense. He noted, "Atlanta was sharp, slipping through screens and finding open lanes.
Our communication breakdowns led to easy baskets for them. We need to improve our physicality and awareness to change the direction of those plays."
As the Magic gear up to face the Thunder, they'll be looking to tighten up their defense and bounce back strong. With several key players out, it's a chance for others to step up and make an impact. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, will be a formidable opponent, making this matchup one to watch.