On game day 48 it is some Friday night MAGIC against the Lakers in the Amway Center as the Orlando Magic look to break the losing streak.
Last Games And Season Records.
The Orlando Magic
Wednesday 19th January – Orlando Magic 110 – 123 Philadelphia 76ers
Magic Top Performances – Mo Bamba had a career night as he recorded 32 points and 3 blocks, making 7 of the 8 attempted shots with the three-ball. Chuma Okeke continued to show his potential as he produced a strong stat line, tying his season high with 18 points. Jalen Suggs had another strong game after returning to the starting unit. His box score by the close read 14 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Cole Anthony still had some struggles but recorded 13 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists.
Orlando’s record is now 8 wins and 38 losses, which sees the Magic remain last in the Eastern Conference. They have lost the last three games played and in the last 10 games played the Magic have only won once. The home record stands at 2 wins of 18 games played, whilst on the road it is 6 wins in 28 played.
The LA Lakers
Wednesday 19th January – Indiana Pacers 111 – 104 Indiana Pacers
LeBron James led the Lakers with a double-double of 30 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. He was supported by Russell Westbrook with 14 points. From the bench the only other double digit scoring came from the bench with Talen Horton-Tucker (20 points), Carmelo Anthony (14 points) and Malik Monk (10 points).
The Lakers currently stand at a 22-22 record and are placed 8th in the Western Conference.
Head-To-Head – The LA Lakers
The all time head-to-head record in the 65 regular season games played sees the Magic trailing by 23-42.
On December 12th 2021 the Lakers took the first game this season to a 94-106 scoreline. The Lakers defence worked hard making 11 blocks and 12 steals. LeBron James hurt the Magic with a triple-double that included 30 points.
Last season saw the series swept 2-0 by the Lakers. Our recent record with the Lakers is a close one, each team having won 5 of the last 10 games played.
The teams have met in the playoffs just once, during the 2009 NBA Playoff Final which the Lakers took by a score of 4-1.
Our Opponents – The LA Lakers
ESPN shows Anthony Davis (knee), Kendrick Nunn (knee), and Sekou Doumbouya (health and safety protocols) as unavailable for Los Angeles.
Last Starting Line-Up: Russell Westbrook (PG), Avery Bradley (SG), Talen Horton-Tucker (PF), LeBron James (SF), Dwight Howard (C)
Head Coach Frank Vogel has many experienced options from the bench. Carmelo Anthony, Malik Monk, Wayne Ellington, DeAndre Jordan, Kent Bazemore and Rajon Rondo are all part of the squad.
The Orlando Magic Injury Report
ESPN is showing one return but also a significant worsening after the Philadelphia 76ers game for Orlando.
Wendell Carter Jr is to return after having a sore left hamstring. He will be on a minutes restriction.
RJ Hampton is out for 4-6 weeks and is on crutches with a left knee injury.
Terrence Ross is also with knee soreness.
Markelle Fultz is again training with the Lakeland Magic as he rehabs the knee. There remains no public timeline for his return.
E’Twaun Moore remains out with a sprained left knee.
Michael Carter-Williams is out after surgery to remove a bone fragment and repair his left ankle ligament.
Jonathan Isaac continues to be out as he rehabilitates from the surgically repaired left knee. He is said to be making steady progress. There remains no public timeline for his return to the court.
The Orlando Lineup For Friday Night Magic Against The Lakers
As Coach Jamahl Mosely returns to the team bench after his absence for covid he has a decision to make about starting Wendell Carter Jr.
Magic Starting Lineup – Cole Anthony (PG), Jalen Suggs (SG), Gary Harris (SF), Franz Wagner (PF), Mo Bamba (C)
Magic Bench Unit – Chuma Okeke, Robin Lopez, Terrence Ross, Moe Wagner, RJ Hampton, Admiral Schofield, Ignas Brazdeikis
Check Out Other Orlando Magic U.K. Content
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Let’s Go Magic!
