Orlando take the win in Atlanta by 104-98, a game the Magic won built on simple offence and ball movement. From that Orlando had 27 assists. They also recorded consecutive wins for the first time this season.
Magic Top Performers
This was a team win, built on unity in adversity and taking offered opportunities with both hands.
Robin Lopez recorded a second season double-double in the last two games with 10 points and a career high 11 assists.
Chuma Okeke continued to show his ability as he returns to form and match fitness. A career high 6 steals was supplemented with 12 points.
Franz Wagner led the team in scoring with 25 points.
Gary Harris added 17 points again.
From the bench BJ Johnson hit 14 points, the bench unit producing good contributions despite an unfamiliarity.
Magic Starting Lineup – Hassani Gravett (PG), Gary Harris (SG), Franz Wagner (SF), Chuma Okeke (PF), Robin Lopez (C)
Bench Unit – Aleem Ford, BJ Johnson, Admiral Schofield, Tim Frazier, Freddie Gillespie
Moving On After Orlando Take The Win In Atlanta
Josh Cohen’s review of the win in Atlanta is available here on the Orlando Magic website.
Orlando’s record is now 7 wins and 25 losses. The Magic remained 14th in the Eastern Conference. Of the last 10 games played the Magic have won 3 and the bigger picture is 14 losses in 17 games. The home record stands at 2 wins of 12 games played, whilst on the road it is 5 wins in 20 played. In points per game the Magic score 101.4 whilst conceding 110.9 In offensive rankings Orlando remain at 28th, but defensively have now improved to 25th.
Orlando now travel back to the Amway Center for a home game against the New Orleans to take on the Pelicans on the second night of a back-to-back. The U.K. tip is shown as midnight Friday. The teams have not met yet this season.
The New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans have a record of 11 wins and 21 losses, being 14th in the Western Conference. Of the last 10 games played New Orleans have won 6, including their last 3 games. The Pelicans road record stands at 5 wins of 17 games played. In points per game the Pelicans score 104.6, whilst conceding 109.6. They rank 24th in both offensive and defensive statistics.
New Orleans played last on Tuesday night, beating the Portland Trail Blazers by 97-111. Brandon Ingram scored 28 points, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker adding 27 points. Josh Hart totalled 20 points and Willy Hernangomez added 13 points.
Unlike many teams New Orleans do not have as big issues around injury or absence as many teams. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Covid), Jonas Valanciunas (illness), Zion Williamson (foot), Kira Lewis Jr (ACL) and Didi Louzada are their only absentees.
