The Orlando Magic look to recover from faltering late in Chicago as they travel to Indianapolis to take on the Indiana Pacers.
Orlando Magic (11-41) at Indiana Pacers (19-33)
Time/TV: 7 p.m./Bally Sports Florida
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Line via WynnBet: Pacers by 4
Tickets: $6-$185 on StubHub
2022 Season Series: Tonight in Indianapolis; Feb. 28 in Orlando; March 2 in Orlando
| Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando | 98.8 | 103.8 | 111.8 | 50.0 | 25.9 | 14.8 | 22.5 |
| Indiana | 97.6 | 110.2 | 112.2 | 52.3 | 30.4 | 14.6 | 23.9 |
OMD Prediction
The Orlando Magic could easily be encouraged with Tuesday’s loss to the Chicago Bulls. They had a bad defensive game and did not do the things they typically need to do to win. The Bulls were the first to every loose ball. Orlando was playing from behind the whole game and struggling to keep up.
Yet, the team was in the game. They found their groove in the fourth quarter and went on a 10-0 run to tie the game. Then their offense hit a roadblock and the Bulls went back to taking the lead. Wendell Carter said it best after the game: If the Magic would have rebounded better and not fouled as much, they would have won the game.
Orlando is quickly getting to the point where it can point to its own mistakes rather than getting overwhelmed for why they are losing. These are things they can control.
Wednesday’s game against the Indiana Pacers will be a big test for a young team. How do the Magic respond to this poor defensive game? Do they fall back into bad habits or do they make their stand and return to the way they know they can play.
So far this year, the Magic have largely played well when they have met these challenges. That is an encouraging sign for the future.
3 Keys To Watch
Rising ‘Dell
The Orlando Magic rightly celebrated their trio of Rising Stars who will be making the trip to Cleveland in a few weeks. Cole Anthony, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs have earned all these accolades. But the Magic have another young veteran who deserves some attention.
Wendell Carter has always had something special in reserve for the Chicago Bulls — he scored 24 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out six assists last night. But Carter has been solid since returning from his hamstring injury.
In his last six games, he is averaging 16.0 points per game and 9.0 rebounds per game while shooting 53.7-percent from the floor and 38.9-percent from beyond the arc. Those are all well above Carter’s season averages. He has been really solid and a key part of the Magic’s improving offense.
Injured-iana Pacers
The Orlando Magic have had plenty of injuries — their usual five remain OUT for tonight’s game. But the Indiana Pacers have had to deal with plenty of injuries too. You likely would not recognize the team that will hit the floor tonight.
Malcolm Brogdon (sore right Achilles), T.J. McConnell (right wrist surgery), Domantas Sabonis (health and safety protocols), Myles Turner (left foot stress reaction) and T.J. Warren (left navicular fracture) are all out. Some of these injuries are long-term injuries, some are short-term. But this is not the typical Pacers team.
They still play with the same energy and passion that you would expect. Especially from a Rick Carlisle-coached team.
Their defense is not what it used to be though and they have the second-worst defense in the last 15 games. But Indiana can still pick people off. The Indiana Pacers got the LA Clippers with a 122-116 win on Monday. Someone always steps up for them.
The starters’ defense
Why has the Orlando Magic’s starting group been so good this year? Defense is the keyword. And if the Magic have been hesitant to separate that core group — Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter and Mo Bamba — it is because they get the team off to such a good defensive start.
Orlando’s typical starting lineup still has the eighth-best net rating among groups that have played at least 200 minutes — +9.5 points per 100 possessions. The reason is only because of the defense.
That group has the second-best defensive rating of any lineup that has played at least 200 minutes. That group is giving up 93.7 points per 100 possessions.
So far this season, the Magic have been at their best when their defense gives the offense a chance to breathe. They have been at their worst when the offense puts the defense in a hole.
The lack of offensive consistency remains frustrating for the franchise. But the Magic are banking on their defense carrying them for now. And increasingly it is getting there more and more.