Orlando Magic vs. LA Clippers (Jan. 26, 2022): 3 Things To Watch, Odds and Prediction

The Orlando Magic look to build off a breakthrough win Sunday as they take on a weary but dangerous LA Clippers team.

Orlando Magic (9-39) vs. LA Clippers (24-25)

Time/TV: 7 p.m./Bally Sports Florida
WATCH MAGIC-CLIPPERS ON FUBO TV
FOLLOW LIVE @OMAGICDAILY
Line via WynnBet: Magic by 1
Tickets: $10-$697 on StubHub
2022 Season Series: Clippers 106, Magic 104 in Los Angeles on Dec. 11; Tonight in Orlando

OMD Prediction

The Orlando Magic have spent the last few days seemingly with their chests puffed out. The biggest praise and criticism for the team from their win over the Chicago Bulls was the demonstrative way in which Jalen Suggs, especially, celebrated that win. It was endearing for fans, at the least.

The Magic though need to start building some momentum. There have been precious few moments to do that. Orlando’s ultimate goal is to win consistently. And while there are certainly still plenty more losses this season, finding some pocket of inspired play where the team reinforces wins with a few more wins would be a huge step for the team.

This is a really good chance for it. The LA Clippers are still plenty dangerous even without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George — just ask the Washington Wizards after they gave away a 35-point lead last night. But this is a tough travel day after an energy-draining game. If Orlando plays with energy and a bit of precision, the team is in a good spot for back-to-back home wins.

3 Keys To Watch

Jalen Suggs’ finishing

If you have not done so already, go check out Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel’s article on how Jalen Suggs worked with coaches Nate Tibbetts and Randy Gregory to improve his finishing while he was injured. It is a testament to the work he was willing to put in and how he was able to accept coaching to improve his play.

The numbers are pretty impressive. Suggs is making 55.2-percent of his shots within five feet of the basket. Before his injury, he sat at 51.7-percent shooting within five feet of the basket. Since returning from his injury, Suggs is making 63.9-percent of his shots within five feet.

Beyond the improvement with his finishing at the rim and his ability to score, this is a really good sign of how Suggs is going to improve and develop as a player overall. A lot of draft and national observers were giddy to see Suggs have the breakthrough dunks he had against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday. That major breakthrough game is starting to build up.

Kennard the shooter

The Orlando Magic likely remember firsthand how dangerous Luke Kennard can be.

In the teams’ first meeting against the LA Clippers, they were in line to steal a victory in Los Angeles and had the game right where they wanted. But Kennard got away from them and hit seven 3-pointers in a 23-point effort for a two-point Clippers win.

Kennard is still shooting the ball really well. Again, just ask the Washington Wizards.

Last night, Kennard made five 3-pointers on his way to 25 points as the Clippers erased a 35-point second-quarter deficit. Kennard hit the game-winner too, draining a three while being fouled to tie the game and hitting the subsequent free throw to deliver the one-point win.

Kennard is currently scoring 11.9 points per game and making 43.6-percent of his 3-pointers. Keeping an eye on him and ensuring he does not get hot is a big key for the Magic in this one.

Healthy(ish)

Look, the Orlando Magic have been injured all season long. There are four players who have missed the entire season to date. And the Magic have been without several players for pockets of the season.

They were without Gary Harris and Terrence Ross in Sunday’s game. And Mo Bamba turned his ankle in Tuesday’s practice and was listed as questionable.

The injury list has remained ridiculous for the team.

The Magic are not delivering the news every fan wants to hear quite yet.

This week seemed like the perfect time to bring Markelle Fultz back with the team at home and having plenty of time to practice. That is not going to be the case. Fultz is still listed as OUT. If he is not ready, he is not ready.

But for the first time in a while, the Magic’s injury sheet is otherwise clean.

Ross and Harris are not on the injury report and will be available to play tonight. And Bamba, although still listed as QUESTIONABLE, will be available to play according to coach Jamahl Mosley at shootaround this morning.

This is the healthiest the Magic have been all season. And their play likely will reflect that.