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Magic Wands: Orlando Magic vs. Toronto Raptors — April 19, 2019

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic plays defense against the Toronto Raptors during the game 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)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic plays defense against the Toronto Raptors during the game 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) /
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The Orlando Magic return home for Game 3 of their first-round series against the Toronto Raptors. With a raucous crowd behind them, the Magic hope to take control of the series.

Game 3: Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic

Time/TV: 7 p.m./ESPN, FOX Sports Florida
WATCH MAGIC-RAPTORS ON FUBO TV
Line: Raptors by 5.5
Tickets: $96-$2,453 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 – Magic 104, Raptors 101 in Toronto; Game 2- Raptors 111, Magic 82 in Toronto; Game 3 – April 19 in Orlando; Game 4 – April 21 in Orlando; Game 5- April 23 in Toronto

PaceOff. Rtg.Def. Rtg.eFG%O.Reb.%TO%FTR
Toronto96.0111.096.453.420.010.517.7
Orlando96.096.4111.045.326.514.525.7

1) The Orlando Magic are focusing on ball movement and security to keep the Toronto Raptors from dominating as they did in Game 2, Roy Parry of the Orlando Sentinel writes.

2) The Orlando Magic expect a big energy boost from their Amway Center home crowd in Game 3, Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinel writes. The Magic are eager to see what their playoff crowd will sound and feel like. The Toronto Raptors are readying for it, Doug Smith of The Toronto Star writes.

3) It has taken some time, but Orlando Magic fans have made their presence known more and more within the Amway Center as the team has made its playoff run, Josh Robbins of The Athletic writes.

4) Nikola Vucevic vows to be more aggressive to help the Orlando Magic turn things around, Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinel writes. The Toronto Raptors have done some specific things to eliminate Nikola Vucevic. Exposing Vucevic’s weakness is part of the Raptors’ strategy, Thomas Valentine of Raptors Rapture writes. One thing is for sure, the Magic need Vucevic to show up in a big way, Mike Cali of Orlando Pinstriped Post writes. The Magic might have to get more creative to free him up, Frank Zicarelli of The Toronto Sun writes.

5) Marc Gasol deserves praise for his defensive job on Nikola Vucevic so far this series, Ryan Wolstat of The National Post writes. Gasol has been the Raptors’ unsung hero in this playoff push.

6) Creating offense is the big concern for the Orlando Magic after Game 2, Josh Robbins of The Athletic writes.

7) The Toronto Raptors have changed up their defense to stifle the Orlando Magic, but expect a more determined effort in Game 3, Scott Stinson of The National Post writes.

8) The Orlando Magic needed a reminder of how good they can be as they prepare for Game 3. Steve Clifford’s most significant accomplishment with the Magic has been instilling a belief and confidence in how good they can be.

9) Louis Zatzman of Raptors Republic says the Toronto Raptors are making the Orlando Magic pay for relying on Jonathan Isaac as he cannot contribute enough offensively.

10) J.D. Quirante of Raptors HQ discusses how the Orlando Magic can change their pick and roll strategy to free up Nikola Vucevic in Game 3.

11) The Orlando Magic are not fretting much heading into Game 3. Steve Clifford quotes his mentor Jeff Van Gundy saying the biggest adjustment is the guy going 2-for-8 goes 5-for-8 the next game, John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com writes.

12) I joined Mike Tuck of The Beat of Sports to discuss what went wrong in Game 2 and what the Orlando Magic can do now.

13) The Orlando Magic got a real introduction to the playoffs in their Game 2 defeat.

14) The Heart and Hustle Podcast previews Game 3 with former Orlando Magic coach Brian Hill.

15) The Toronto Raptors end-of-bench players and G-League coach comprise a scout team of sorts helping the team prepare for the Orlando Magic, Eric Koreen of The Athletic writes.

16) Mike Bosetti of Raptors Rapture details three changes the Toronto Raptors made following Game 1.

17) Despite a big loss in Game 2, the Orlando Magic got their split and took control of the series heading home to the Amway Center, Spencer Henderson writes.

18) D.J. Augustin has had his travels around the NBA, but has found his footing in Orlando, Doug Smith of The Toronto Star writes.