Orlando Magic vs. Dallas Mavericks (Feb. 21, 2020): How to Watch, Odds and Prediction
The Orlando Magic return from the All-Star Break hoping to spark another strong run to the playoffs, starting with a game against the Dallas Mavericks.
Dallas Mavericks (33-22) vs. Orlando Magic (24-31)
Time/TV:
7 p.m./FOX Sports Florida
WATCH MAGIC-MAVERICKS ON FUBO TV
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2020 Season Series:
in Dallas on Nov. 6; Tonight in Orlando
| Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas | 99.3 | 116.5 | 110.7 | 54.6 | 28.1 | 12.5 | 26.1 |
| Orlando | 98.2 | 105.5 | 107.4 | 49.4 | 26.5 | 12.9 | 24.9 |
OMD Prediction
The two most difficult games to predict in the entire season are the game before the All-Star Break and the game after the All-Star Break. A lot of screwy things happen and it really is a test of the team’s focus. The Orlando Magic, in some ways, failed that test Wednesday in having to rally to defeat the Detroit Pistons in overtime. The Dallas Mavericks took care of their business as they got Luka Doncic back in the lineup from injury. They struggled a ton after them. Some rest probably did him well. And it will do this offense well. Despite those struggles it remains one of the best in the league. The Magic’s defense has been inconsistent. This is the kind of game the Magic could pick off, but they will need a ton of defensive focus to get there.
38. Prediction. 115. 79. 108
1) Even though they sit in the pole position at No. 8 in the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic still have to play their way in and finish strong to make the most of the rest of the season.
2) Josh Robbins of The Athletics lists what the Orlando Magic have to do to make the most of the final 27 games and clinch their playoff spot.
3) I spoke with In the Zone on 96.9 The Game and said the playoff spot is the Orlando Magic’s to lose.
4) Luke Duffy of Hoops Habit maps out how the Orlando Magic get back to the playoffs.
5) John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com asks the five biggest questions facing the Orlando Magic after the All-Star Break. The Magic need the right mindset to get themselves in.
6) Even with a three-game lead, the Orlando Magic should be wary of the Washington Wizards stealing a playoff spot, Nick Crain of Hoops Habit writes. The schedule sets up favorably for the Wizards to put some early pressure on the Magic, Ethan Smith of Wiz of Awes writes.
7) Darrell Armstrong was the heart and soul for the Orlando Magic and he will have his day inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame.
8) The Orlando Magic are eager to get D.J. Augustin back into the rotation and welcome him back from injury.
9) Trying to make the playoffs with a young team is a different challenge for Rick Carlisle and the Dallas Mavericks, Eddie Sefko of Mavs.com writes.
10) The Dallas Mavericks have to avoid the dilemma facing the Philadelphia 76ers and make sure their two best players in Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis can actually play effectively together, Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News writes.
11) The Orlando Magic get an early test from several Western Conference foes to start their schedule after the All-Star Break, Chet Stirston writes.
12) The Orlando Magic will attempt to do what so many teams have failed to do this season — slow down Luka Doncic, Roy Parry of the Orlando Sentinel writes.
13) ESPN writers still see Luka Doncic in the MVP talk and as one of the best building blocks in the league.
14) Mike Cali of Orlando Pinstriped Post speaks with Kevin P. Love of Liberty Ballers to get his perspective on Markelle Fultz’s development and the trade a year later.
15) The MavsMoneyball crew asks which opponent they would like the Dallas Mavericks to face in the upcoming NBA Playoffs.
16) Aaron Gordon was frustrated with not winning the Dunk Contest, but his focus is now on helping the Orlando Magic make the playoffs, John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com writes.
17) Aaron Gordon discusses the dunk contest and why he is ready to graduate to the big game on Sunday with Seerat Sohi of Yahoo!
18) Spencer Henderson asks which of Aaron Gordon’s Dunk Contests was better — 2016 or 2020?
19) Tim Cato of The Athletic catches up with recently waived wing Ryan Broekhoff as the popular player figures out what comes next.