The Orlando Magic conclude their homestand as they welcome the Washington Wizards to the Amway Center before the “Gauntlet” begins.
Orlando Magic (3-9) vs. Washington Wizards (8-3)
Time/TV: 7 p.m./Bally Sports Florida
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Line via WynnBet: Wizards by 4
Tickets: $12-$230 on StubHub
2021 Season Series: Magic 130, Wizards 120 in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 26; Magic 120, Wizards 113 in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 27; Wizards 131, Magic 116 in Orlando on April 7
2022 Season Series: Tonight in Orlando; Jan. 9 in Orlando; Jan. 12 in Washington, D.C.; March 30 in Washington, D.C.
| Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 99.1 | 107.0 | 102.9 | 51.9 | 24.4 | 13.9 | 24.7 |
| Orlando | 98.8 | 101.1 | 110.3 | 49.5 | 26.9 | 16.8 | 22.2 |
OMD Prediction
The Orlando Magic’s homestand has been a bit of a mixed bag for sure.
The team’s 1-3 record to this point is probably not a great sign in the end. The Magic dropped their winnable games early in the homestand and they have taken some pretty bad losses at home. For those who are holding onto playoff dreams (ahem, me), this was a homestand necessary for staying in the race. It is still early enough that the race is not too far gone. But the upcoming schedule is. . . tough.
On the bright side though, this young team is playing better. The win over the Utah Jazz was one where the team put everything together and played with good energy and push. It was exactly who they want to be. Finding consistency is going to be the trick all year for this young team.
The Magic have played better during the course of this homestand. There are plenty of good signs. Even if there are precious few wins.
The Washington Wizards will provide another stern defensive challenge. They will be without Bradley Beal, who will be with family following the death of his grandmother, but this is still a potent and dangerous team playing with a lot of confidence. Orlando continues to have its work cut out for it as they seek a consistent level of playing.
3 Keys To Watch
Wendell and consistency
The Orlando Magic got some good news on Friday when Wendell Carter was able to participate in practice after getting poked in the eye in Wednesday’s loss to the Brooklyn Nets. He is set to play, albeit wearing some stylish shades (one he said are better than the ones he wore last year when the same thing happened).
That is critical for the Magic in their seeking consistency. Carter has been one of the most solid players for the team this year.
The Magic have played well with him on the court too — they have a -2.0 net rating with Wendell Carter on the floor, trailing only Cole Anthony among rotation players. He is a solid defensively and a great defender with a positive impact on the team’s defense — the team’s 104.3 defensive rating with Wendell Carter on the floor trails only Chuma Okeke and Jalen Suggs on the team among rotation players.
To say the least, the Magic would have struggled to replace Carter if he had to miss any time. And if the Magic are going to find consistency, it will likely be with Carter anchoring the middle.
Rising Wizards
It is somewhat easy to dismiss the Washington Wizards as just Bradley Beal’s team. It has felt that way for several years. And that has held the Wizards back, only fueling rumors that Beal would be the next superstar to jump ship. The sharks still might be circling.
But the Wizards have raced out to the top record in the Eastern Conference. Bradley Beal is doing his thing and he has some offensive weapons surrounding him in Spencer Dinwiddie and Kyle Kuzma who have been surprisingly more help. And Montrezl Harrell has also provided an offensive spark.
Where they have been really good though is on defense. That is a credit to the work coach Wes Unseld Jr. has done to prepare his team and the commitment they have shown so far. Harrell was not known as a great defender, but he has been energetic attacking the glass and causing problems for opponents. It will take a lot of energy to contain him and this team, even without Beal.
Torch time?
The one good thing to come out of Wednesday’s loss to the Brooklyn Nets was the re-emergence of Terrence Ross. He had his first big burst game since the win over the New York Knicks and the hope is the team can get some consistency from him (the bugaboo of his entire career honestly).
Ross scored 17 points, the most he has scored in three weeks. His 14 shots taken in that game were also the most in that time. It has not just been the Magic are struggling to get Ross scoring, they are struggling to get him involved.
Ross said following Wednesday’s game he is still getting used to where he can get his shots within the offense. And the team is still trying to figure out the best way to spring him free. But Orlando needs the Torch lit in order to win games — or at least the threat of him.