Orlando Magic look to overcome slump, injuries against Brooklyn Nets
The Magic have been slumping as of late, tailing behind a four game losing streak. Although this Friday may change all of that.
38. Final. . 147.
Time/TV:
7:30 p.m./FSFlorida
Line:
Magic by 4
Tickets: Season Series:in Brooklyn on Dec. 14;
Magic 100, Nets 93in Orlando on Dec. 30; Tonight in Brooklyn; March 29 in Orlando
| Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando | 96.7 | 101.4 | 101.5 | 49.7 | 23.5 | 14.9 | 21.4 |
| Brooklyn | 97.7 | 98.0 | 104.8 | 47.4 | 25.0 | 15.4 | 22.8 |
The Magic have been slumping as of late, tailing behind a four-game losing streak. Although this Friday may change all of that, as the Magic play the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.
The Magic currently have a record of 19-17, and the Nets with a lowly 10-25. However, the Nets have home-court advantage, and the Magic are 7-10 on the road so far.
Starting Lineups:
Orlando Magic
Point Guard: Victor Oladipo
Shooting Guard: Evan Fournier
Small Forward: Tobias Harris
Power Forward: Channing Frye
Center: Nikola Vucevic
Brooklyn Nets
Point Guard: Shane Larkin
Shooting Guard: Bojan Bogdanovic
Small Forward: Joe Johnson
Power Forward: Thaddeus Young
Center: Brook Lopez
Both these lineups are the most likely lineups that both Scott Skiles and Lionel Hollins will draw up Friday night.
Injuries:
Elfrid Payton is dealing with a left ankle contusion, so he will likely be out against the Nets. Jason Smith also has an ankle injury, and his was received Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers. Other than C.J Watson who does not have a timetable for return, the Magic are completely healthy and ready to go.
Now to the Brooklyn Nets, unfortunately Jarrett Jack recently tore his ACL and was ruled out the entire season. Chris McCollough has yet to play a game this season, so it is unlikely he will play Friday. Overall, the Nets are mostly healthy.
Previous Games:
The Magic lost to the Pacers 95-86, and the Nets lost to the Toronto Raptors 91-74. Both happened on Wednesday night. Brook Lopez had the best game Wednesday dropping 24 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Victor Oladipo was the Magic’s best player on Wednesday, scoring 20 points. He also recorded five rebounds and dished out three assists.
Summary:
The last time the Magic played the Nets, they won 100-93 back on Dec. 30. They hope to repeat another win against the Nets, because the Magic have not been playing to their best at all lately.
Next: Orlando Magic goes cold in loss to Indiana Pacers
The Nets on the other hand, are just having a terrible season. They have played hard, but have not figured out a way to close games or even start them. However, they still are a threat with Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young. Also, the Magic have to make sure Bojan Bogdanovic does not get hot from the 3-point line, because that is an easy possibility.
As long as the Magic stay strong defensively, the Nets can’t do much to stop the Magic.
Predicted Score: Magic 98, Nets 88