Magic Wands: Orlando Magic at Toronto Raptors — Feb. 24, 2019

By Philip Rossman-Reich | Feb 24, 2019

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket during the game against the Toronto Raptors on December 28, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Orlando Magic look to bounce back from a disappointing loss Friday by taking on the streaking Toronto Raptors. The Magic will get a big test on the road as they try to keep pace.

Orlando Magic (26-33) vs. Toronto Raptors (44-16)

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m./FOX Sports Florida
WATCH MAGIC-RAPTORS ON FUBO TV
Line: Raptors by 9.5
Tickets: $59-$751 on Vivid Seats
2019 Season Series: Raptors 93, Magic 91 Magic 116, Raptors 87 in Orlando on Nov. 20; in Orlando on Dec. 28; Today in Toronto; April 1 in Toronto

	Pace	Off. Rtg.	Def. Rtg.	eFG%	O.Reb.%	TO%	FTR
Orlando	98.7	106.7	107.8	51.4	25.0	13.6	21.6
Toronto	100.7	112.5	107.3	53.4	28.1	13.6	25.7

1) Between the Orlando Magic, Orlando City and Orlando Apollos, there is actual buzz and excitement for Orlando sports, Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel writes.

2) The Orlando Magic are not dwelling on their disappointing loss Friday night. They know they will have to move on quickly to stick with the Playoff race, Roy Parry of the Orlando Sentinel writes.

3) The Orlando Magic are learning quickly games ramp up in intensity at this late stage of the season no matter the opponent, John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com writes.

4) The Orlando Magic could only blame themselves for their loss to the Chicago Bulls. Luckily all the issues were correctable and out of character for this team. Indeed that is exactly what the Magic did after the game, Josh Robbins of The Athletic writes.

5) The Toronto Raptors passed a critical test of chemistry and rhythm on Friday as coach Nick Nurse got ejected in the third quarter and they still defeated the San Antonio Spurs, Morgan Campbell of the Toronto Star writes.

6) On a Toronto Raptors team full of players that bring a fresh look and excitement or have shown tremendous growth, it is Serge Ibaka’s expanded play and consistency that has helped pace things, Mike Ganter of the Toronto Sun writes.

7) Danny Green tells Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype he sees big things coming for the Toronto Raptors as the Playoffs get closer.

8) On a night where the fans and the Toronto Raptors feted DeMar DeRozan on his return, Kyle Lowry regained authorship of the franchise and his story, Blake Murphy of The Athletic writes. Lowry is one of the league’s most unconventional stars, Mike Bossetti of Raptors Rapture writes.

9) Marc Gasol reflected on his time in Memphis and what lies ahead for him in Toronto with Dave Zarum of Sportsnet Canada.

10) Despite the Orlando Magic’s competitiveness this year, the team has the lowest television ratings in the league and are down 28 percent from last year, John Ourand and John Lombardo of Sports Business Daily reports.

11) Garrett Townsend of Orlando Pinstriped Post breaks down the race for the Eastern Conference’s eighth seed.

12) Wesley Iwundu and Isaiah Briscoe continue to show some major strides defensively, Josh Cohen of OrlandoMagic.com writes.

13) Three years ago Aaron Gordon literally jumped out of his shoe. Spencer Henderson looks back at that moment with exploding shoes back in the news.

14) The All-Star Break came at the wrong time for the Orlando Magic, Ti Windisch of The Step Back writes.

15) The Orlando Magic plan to keep Mohamed Bamba engaged and active with the team even as he rehabs from injury. Bamba tells Josh Robbins of The Athletic, the injury has given him a chance to step back and evaluate his season to identify where he needs to improve.

16) Evan Fournier is returning to his shooting mean and that has provided a nice boost for the Orlando Magic.

17) Orlando Magic broadcaster David Steele stopped by the Heart & Hustle Podcast as he entered the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame.

18) The arguments are getting stronger to eliminate the NBA’s one-and-done rule and Zion Williamson’s injury has only increased the calls, Steve Popper of Newsday writes.

19) Several former Toronto Raptors players told Ryan Wolstat of The Toronto Sun they were shocked with the team’s decision to trade DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard, but understand it’s a business.

20) One week removed from the All-Star Game, I rank the best All-Star Game performances in Orlando Magic history.