AdventHealth Training Center Pre-Game Report
ORLANDO – The Orlando Magic have made an impressive leap this season.
With just one more victory, the Magic will secure – at worst – a place in the NBA play-in tournament.
Orlando’s ability to play defense at a high level, win at home, and beat teams it should have played has played a role in its success this season.
The Magic (40-28) will look to continue that trend when they host the Charlotte Hornets (17-51) on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET.
“I would love to see a win (tonight),” Magic guard Cole Anthony said. “We just want to stay consistent, continue to defend and just improve every aspect of the game.”
Orlando has certainly been consistent thus far in the aforementioned areas. The Magic are 14-0 against sub-.500 teams at the Kia Center this season, 33-1 when leading before the fourth quarter, and have held opponents under 100 points 19 times this season.
These trends have put the Magic in the playoff picture. And while they’re happy to be a part of this conversation, they’re striving to do more.
“To be honest, it doesn’t really mean much (at worst, securing a spot in the play-in),” Anthony said. “Obviously it’s cool that we at least landed a play-in spot, but we’re not here to play for the play-in. We want to solidify a playoff spot. We are in a position where we can do it. If we stay focused, keep minding our business and work hard, we’ll have a chance.
The Magic will try to keep the same approach as they prepare to face a Hornets team that has lost nine of its last 11 games. Orlando has dominated Charlotte in its two meetings during the 2023-24 campaign by an average margin of victory of 12.5 points.
“It’s about us (tonight) and how we take care of the basketball,” Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said. “They do a good job of turning you around. Coach (Steve) Clifford does a great job mixing up defenses and being aggressive. Offensively, they are clicking at a good pace right now. (Vasilije) Micic plays very good basketball. (Rookie) Brandon (Miller) plays very good basketball. So we have to make sure we are defending the right way without fouling, taking care of the basketball and executing our offensive sets.
INSIDE AND OUT: The Magic have an impeccable bill of health. Only Kevon Harris (G League – Two-Way), Jett Howard (G League – On Assignment) and Trevelin Queen (G League – Two-Way) are absent for Orlando.
For Charlotte, Tre Mann (illness) is questionable, while LaMelo Ball (right ankle; tendinopathy), Leaky Black (G League – Two-Way), Marques Bolden (G League – Two-Way), Seth Curry (right ankle; sprain), Cody Martin (left ankle; sprain), Bryce McGowens (right knee; strain) and Mark Williams (lower back; recovering from injury) are out.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “(Defense is) extremely important. I think that’s our identity and I think that as the season goes on, there are always things that we discover. Communication is becoming easier and more of a habit. I think that shows a little bit in our group and we need to make sure that continues. Obviously, stay focused there towards the home stretch. – Magical striker Franz Wagner
KEY STATS: The Magic currently have a record of 40-28. At this point last season, Orlando was 28-40. The last time the Magic were 12 games above .500 was March 30, 2012.
