Magic Wands: Orlando Magic at Toronto Raptors — April 13, 2019
The Orlando Magic begin their first playoff appearance in seven years at Scotiabank Arena as they take on a hungry Toronto Raptors team with title aspirations.
Game 1: Orlando Magic vs. Toronto Raptors
Time/TV: 5 p.m./ESPN, FOX Sports Florida
WATCH MAGIC-RAPTORS ON FUBO TV
Line: Raptors by 8.5
Tickets: $0-$626 on Vivid Seats
2019 Season Series: Raptors 93, Magic 91 in Orlando on Nov. 20; Magic 116, Raptors 87 in Orlando on Dec. 28; Magic 113, Raptors 98 in Toronto on Feb. 24; Raptors 121, Magic 109 in Toronto on April 1
Playoff Series: Game 1 – Tonight in Toronto; Game 2- April 16 in Toronto; Game 3 – April 19 in Orlando; Game 4 – April 21 in Orlando
| Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando | 98.7 | 108.1 | 107.5 | 51.8 | 25.9 | 13.3 | 21.6 |
| Toronto | 100.6 | 112.5 | 106.8 | 54.3 | 26.5 | 13.8 | 24.7 |
1) The Orlando Magic are ready to stop talking about their first playoff game and get to work in Toronto to begin their series, Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinel writes.
2) Orlando Magic fans are ecstatic to return to the playoffs as their fan base has never really left, Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinel writes.
3) At long last for the Toronto Raptors, the playoffs are about to begin and their 82 “practices” are over, Dave Feschuk of The Toronto Star writes.
4) Can the Orlando Magic challenge the Toronto Raptors? Preston Ellis of Orlando Pinstriped Post wonders. Jeff Borsuk of Raptors Rapture discusses where the Raptors have an advantage.
5) Here are my three keys for the Orlando Magic in Game 1 of their playoff series with the Toronto Raptors. Aaron Gordon’s matchup with Kawhi Leonard deserves special attention. And there are five adjustments the Magic will have to make immediately.
6) The Orlando Magic’s greatest trait is their belief. They have overcome much and never wavered.
7) Terrence Ross must play fantastic for the Orlando Magic to have a chance against the Toronto Raptors, Mike Cali of Orlando Pinstriped Post writes. The Magic are eager to get him more opportunities to score, Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinel writes.
8) Kawhi Leonard’s defense must step up in the playoffs for the Toronto Raptors, Eric Koreen of The Athletic writes.
9) As the Orlando Magic return to the playoffs, Nikola Vucevic has become their one constant and a player who could define their era and be a lifelong Magic player, Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel writes.
10) The Orlando Magic have reached this point with a consistent approach and preparation, but the playoffs will still be a different animal.
11) Mike Bossetti of Raptors Rapture discusses how the Toronto Raptors will replace OG Anunoby, who will miss the series after an emergency appendectomy.
12) Members of the Orlando Magic’s last playoff team are ecstatic to see the team return to the postseason again, Josh Robbins of The Athletic writes.
13) Jonathan Isaac’s development will be front and center for the Orlando Magic in the playoffs and if they want a chance, he has to play to his potential, Spencer Henderson writes. Isaac is either to start going, Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinel writes. Isaac is among the many x-factors for the Magic this postseason, Garrett Townsend of Orlando Pinstriped Post writes.
14) The Toronto Raptors are feeling a bit nervous about this matchup as they have had several nightmares in the playoffs, Connor McCreery of Raptors HQ writes.
15) The Orlando Sentinel recaps the season series split between the Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors. Those games will provide key lessons for the Magic as they prepare for this playoff battle.
16) The beat writers for The Athletic for both the Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors got together to discuss the series.
17) Cory Hutson of Orlando Pinstriped Post issues an apology for not believing in the Orlando Magic.