Tonight sees the Orlando Magic preseason in Atlanta part 2. The Magic will again face the Hawks in the State Farm Arena.
The UK tip time for this one is a very friendly 10pm. As before to watch you will need an active NBA League Pass subscription.
RUNNING IT BACK
In the first game on Friday night we saw the Orlando Magic start with a pretty familiar line up as the organisation run it back again.
The only debutant in the starting group was Dwayne Bacon. Playing 22 minutes; he had an impressive game shooting 6 of 9 for 14 points, whilst also contributing with an assist and 2 steals.
That starting 5 were superb for Orlando building a lead. Nikola Vucevic led the team with his customary double-double (18 points and 11 rebounds). Evan Fournier had 13 points. Markelle Fultz looked assured at the point.
Aaron Gordon returned from the calf injury that caused him to miss the playoffs. Giving us a couple of big dunks in his 16 minutes of play; AG looked good with 12 points, 3 rebounds and a valuable 6 assists.
THE MAGIC NEW BLOOD
There were debuts for Karim Mane, Jordan Bone, Robert Franks, Devin Cannady and Jon Teske as Coach Clifford took a look at his rookies, two-way and 10 day contract players. They all played some solid minutes and made efforts to be a productive part of the team.
Cole Anthony played 20 minutes in his debut, scoring 7 points and making 3 assists. He also had 3 turnovers and was unhappy at his performance. It is only 3 weeks since being drafted so for me it was an ok start.
Chuma Okeke made his debut in the 3rd quarter, having a “welcome to the league” moment in immediately being up against veteran Danilo Gallinari. In his 14 minutes of play Okeke scored 9 points, took 3 rebounds, had an assist and made a block.
LOOKING AT OUR OPPONENTS FOR PRESEASON IN ATLANTA PART 2
The Hawks had not played a competitive game for 9 months! In that time they had added a core of talented veterans. On Friday we did not get to see Rajon Rondo, Kris Dunn and Tony Snell. Nor did their draft pick Onyeka Okongwu play.
Also brought in were Danilo Gallinari and Bogdan Bogdanovic who both produced solid numbers in Friday’s game.
Barring any injury issues expect to see Atlanta starting lineup again being: Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, DeAndre Hunter, John Collins and Clint Capella.
Atlanta will approach this game as per Friday and use game it as a building block to chemistry.
PRESEASON IN ATLANTA: HOW WILL THE MAGIC LINE UP?
The Magic will be without Mo Bamba, Jonathan Isaac, Terence Ross, James Ennis and Al-Farouq Aminu again.
Coach Clifford could again use the starting lineup of Markelle Fultz, Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon, Dwayne Bacon and Nikola Vucevic.
However Coach Clifford could choose to make a change or two to that lineup. Expect again to see plenty of rotation from the bench as Coach Clifford looks at his squad, rotations, plays and builds match fitness.
PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS
Across our recent episodes of Penny For Your Thoughts we have spoken in some detail about this season’s Magic squad, plus we took a look at Atlanta and a whole host more!
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AND FOR TONIGHT
As on Friday this game is not about getting a win. It is firmly a part of training camp in what is a very short preseason. It remains about building the team’s fitness, their game, rhythm and understanding.
Coach Clifford will want to hit opening night in the Amway against the Miami Heat with understanding and momentum.
As fans this preseason in Atlanta is one where we can relax and enjoy the game as an exhibition. That being said….we do still the win and a performance!
LET’S GO MAGIC!
