Orlando Magic vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Feb. 28, 2020): How to Watch, Odds and Prediction
The Orlando Magic return home for their first meeting with the Minnesota Timberwolves as the two sister franchises head for opposite ends this season.
Minnesota Timberwolves (17-40) vs. Orlando Magic (26-32)
Time/TV:
7 p.m./FOX Sports Florida
WATCH MAGIC-TIMBERWOLVES ON FUBO TV
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2020 Season Series:
Tonight in Orlando; March 6 in Minneapolis
| Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 103.6 | 107.5 | 111.2 | 51.1 | 26.7 | 14.6 | 28.1 |
| Orlando | 98.3 | 106.0 | 107.9 | 49.5 | 26.5 | 12.7 | 24.7 |
OMD Prediction
It is fitting the Orlando Magic will get another crack at another young team that pushes the pace and can spread the floor. They faced similar teams in the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks earlier this week. The Magic should be in the mindset of how to slow these kinds of teams down and how to attack them. The Timberwolves are struggling right now with losses in 18 of their past 20 games. One of those wins came Wednesday night in Miami, one of the toughest home-court advantages in the league this year. Go figure. It shows how dangerous Minnesota can still be. D’Angelo Russell is still a dynamic scorer who has had big games against the Magic in the past. And they can still get to the line. Orlando will have to defend with discipline and keep the Wolves off the line to help control the pace of this game.
113. 38. Prediction. 104. 86
1) Aaron Gordon is finding offensive liftoff in staying grounded and doing the dirty work. The Magic will continue to need Gordon’s all-around skills and athleticism, John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com writes.
2) The Orlando Magic must win the race for seventh and they have gotten off to a strong start this week, Omar Cabrera writes.
3) Jonathan Isaac is set to become ordained as a minister this weekend as he continues to study the league and study the person he wants to be through the frustration of his injury, Josh Robbins of The Athletic writes.
4) Minnesota Timberwolves president Gerson Rosas says the team is not tanking but growing pains are expected for the young team as the season winds down, Chris Hine of the Minneapolis Star Tribune writes.
5) Britt Robson of The Athletic illustrates what is at stake for the Minnesota Timberwolves as the race to the bottom begins.
6) Adi Zhuravel of Dunking with Wolves writes on what to expect with the Minnesota Timberwolves appearing ready to tank this season.
7) Mohamed Bamba needs to keep up his energetic play to boost the Orlando Magic’s bench groups, John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com writes.
8) Evan Fournier returned to his role as closer in the Orlando Magic’s win over the Atlanta Hawks, Chet Stirston writes.
9) D’Angelo Russell delivered his first big moment with the Minnesota Timberwolves at Jimmy Butler’s expense, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic writes.
10) James Johnson has proven to be a do-it-all Swiss Army knife since joining the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jakeapaynting of Canis Hoopus writes.
11) Steve Clifford is always teaching and always finding ways to communicate as the Orlando Magic try to find their answers.
12) The Orlando Magic’s schedule is about to get a bit crowded — even if the opponents are all largely worse than .500. The expectation is the Magic will be able to navigate a lot of games in few days, Chris Hayes of The Orlando Sentinel writes.
13) The NBA fined the Minnesota Timberwolves $25,000 for sitting D’Angelo Russell when he was healthy in a game earlier this month.
14) The Orlando Magic need to stay patient with Jonathan Isaac’s recovery.
15) Shooting more will not solve the Orlando Magic’s open shot problem.
16) The five players who should be next under consideration for the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame.