Cleveland triumphed over Orlando in a tight game as both teams attempted to break five game losing streaks. The Cavaliers took the win 92-105 over the Magic.
Unfortunately for Orlando it was another cold shooting night, particularly from distance. They did limit the turnovers that have blighted the team recently.
Orlando were again decimated by injury. Cole Anthony, Mo Bamba, Michael Carter-Williams, Markelle Fultz, Jonathan Isaac and E’Twaun Moore we’re all absent from the start. Terrence Ross didn’t play in the second half having had concerns over his back. From that position it is difficult for the team to win.
A returning Evan Mobley joined Lauri Markkanen, Darius Garland and Jarret Allen in posting strong games. From the bench Cedi Osman made life difficult at times for Orlando.
Top Magic Performers
Starting lineup – Jalen Suggs (PG), Gary Harris (SG), Franz Wagner (SF), Wendell Carter Jr (PF), Robin Lopez (C).
All five Magic starters produced double digit scoring.
Leading the way was Wendell Carter Jr with a 10th double-double for the season of 19 points and 11 rebounds. He was ejected from the game late for throwing his glasses at the game official following an unbelievable no call, where the official missed Wendell getting slammed in the face as he attacked the basket.
Robin Lopez stared for the injured Bamba and showed his veteran experience.
Moving On After Cleveland Triumphed Over Orlando
Orlando’s record is now 4 wins and 17 losses. The Magic remain last in the Eastern Conference. They have now lost 6 games consecutively and won only 1 of the last 10 played.
Next up is a trip to Philadelphia to play the 76ers on Monday night finish up this two game jaunt.
Philadelphia’s record is at .500 with 10 wins and 10 losses. Perhaps surprisingly they are 11th in the Eastern Conference. Much of this is down to absences from Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid, though the Ben Simmons situation has certainly hurt them defensively this season. They have lost 2 games consecutively and won only 2 of the last 10 played. Their home record is 4 wins in 9 games played.
The 76ers lost last night to the Minnesota Timberwolves 121-120 in double overtime. Joel Embiid was brilliant with 42 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and a steal.
A review of last night’s loss can be read here by the Magic’s Josh Cohen on the Orlando Magic website.
