On Game Day 76 Orlando are seeking some MAGIC on the road in Cleveland. Rookie of the Year candidate Evan Mobley will go against Franz Wagner as each continue to showcase their skills.
The tip time from Ohio is shown on the Orlando Magic website as being 12 midnight here in the U.K. (7pm Eastern for our friends in Orlando). To watch the game live or on demand you will need an active NBA League Pass subscription.
Season Record And Last Time Out
The Orlando Magic
Orlando snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. The Orlando Magic led by 7 points with a little over a minute left in regulation. They were unable to hold off the Sacramento Kings and headed into our fourth overtime game of the season. By the close at Amway Center the Kings had taken the win by 114-110. The Magic are yet to win in overtime this season.
The Magic were led by Franz Wagner with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Mo Bamba recorded an 18 points and 13 rebounds double-double game. Cole Anthony had a strong game just missing a double-double with 14 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds. Markelle Fultz had 16 points and 3 steals as he continued to impress and influence from the bench. Moritz Wagner again impressed with his commitment as he contributed 15 points.
Orlando now have a record for the season of 20 wins and 55 losses, with 7 games remaining before our season closes. The Magic remain last in the Eastern Conference, the record tied with the Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets. Over the last 10 games played the Magic have won 4, having lost 2 games consecutively. The home record stands at 10 wins of 37 games played. On the road the record is 10 wins in 38 games played. Points per game sees the Magic scoring 104.2, whilst conceding 111.9.
The Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland are trying to tie up a playoff spot but have seen their form slump in the absence of Jarrett Allen, taking only 4 wins in their last 12 played.
Last time out head coach JB Bickerstaff saw his team drop to a home court loss by 98-94 to the Chicago Bulls. The Cavs heavily relied on the scoring of Darius Garland who dropped 28 points. Caris LeVert followed with 17, whilst Lauri Markkanen produced 14 points. Lamar Stevens led the bench with 13 points.
The Cavs have a 41-33 season record, that sees them placed 7th in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland has lost 3 games straight. Cleveland have a 23 win of 37 played record this season in front of their home crowd. The Cavs have struggled on offence but have been solid in defence. They concede only 104.7 points per game and score 107.2.
Head-To-Head – The Cleveland Cavaliers
In 116 regular season games played the score stands at 58-58. The teams will meet again on April 5th.
The Cavs tied the all-time record up in the first of three meetings this season on November 28th. In a tight, hard fought game Cleveland ran out winners 92-105 in Ohio. Evan Mobley joined Lauri Markkanen, Darius Garland and Jarret Allen in posting strong games. From the bench Cedi Osman made life difficult for Orlando. Leading the way for the Magic was Wendell Carter Jr with a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds. He was ejected from the game late for throwing his glasses at the game official following a no call.
Going into this season Orlando were on a 7 game winning streak, having swept the series over the previous two seasons. The Magic have lost just two of the last eleven games played.
These two teams have famously met once in the playoffs, in 2009, resulting in a 4-2 win for Orlando.
Our Opponents – The Cleveland Cavaliers
Head Coach JB Bickerstaff has been hit by key losses to his squad all season and this remains the case. The injury report on ESPN shows Colin Sexton is out after season ending knee surgery. Jarrett Allen, Dean Wade and Rajon Rondo are all out also.
Last Game Starters – Darius Garland (PG), Isaac Okoro (SG), Caris LeVert (SF), Lauri Markkanen (PF), Evan Mobley (C)
From The Bench – Lamar Stevens, Cedi Osman, Kevin Love, Dylan Windler, Moses Brown (DNP), Ed Davis (DNP), Brandon Goodwin (DNP), RJ Nembhard Jr (DNP)
The Orlando Magic Lineup And Injury Report
Coach Jamahl Mosely will possibly have an additional player available tonight as Wendell Carter Jr is not on the injury report as I write.
Last Starting Lineup – Cole Anthony (PG), RJ Hampton (SG), Franz Wagner (SF), Chuma Okeke (PF), Mo Bamba (C)
Magic Bench Unit – Jeff Dowtin, Moe Wagner, Robin Lopez, Terrence Ross, Gary Harris (DNP), Ignas Brazdeikis (DNP), Admiral Schofield (DNP)
Injury Report – Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac and Bol Bol all remain out for Orlando.
Final Thoughts On Seeking Some Magic On The Road In Cleveland
Cleveland are not a strong over all rebounding team, being mid-league in all categories and without Allen this is weakened further. Cleveland foul the least in the league, resulting in facing very few free throws. The also guard an opponents three-point shooting with great effect. They move the ball, getting assists and are happy to use the shot clock to get their shot.
This game is again about development for Orlando. Nothing has changed from the previous preview. They will play hard on defence and look to break fast. Orlando will seek to collapse the defence to get clean looks from distance.
A return for Orlando of Wendell could be pivotal in the outcome in seeking some magic on the road in Cleveland
Cleveland will go all out for the win. They will want to avoid the play-in tournament. The Cavs look secure in 7th but remain within striking distance of Toronto in 6th (1 game back) and Chicago in 5th (2 games back).
