The Orlando Magic wrap up their season series with the Indiana Pacers as they look to keep Markelle Fultz integrated and win their third straight game.
Orlando Magic (15-47) vs. Indiana Pacers (21-42)
Time/TV: 7 p.m./Bally Sports Florida
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Line via WynnBet: Pacers by 1
Tickets: $7-$519 on StubHub
2022 Season Series: Magic 119, Pacers 118 in Indianapolis on Feb. 2; Magic 119, Pacers 103 in Orlando on Feb. 28; Tonight in Orlando
| Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 98.1 | 110.6 | 113.2 | 52.6 | 30.3 | 14.6 | 23.8 |
| Orlando | 99.5 | 104.2 | 112.1 | 50.3 | 25.3 | 14.7 | 22.6 |
OMD Prediction
The Orlando Magic were excited to have Markelle Fultz back in Monday’s win. That return gave the team a huge emotional boost. From the moment he stepped into the game, the Magic were in control of the game. There was a special air to the game.
The Orlando Magic dominated the Indiana Pacers 116-103 for their second straight win. The team did everything right, sharing the ball for eight players in double figures. That tied a franchise record. The Pacers turned it over a ton — including 10 times in the third quarter — and that gave the Magic the runway to win.
Things will be different this time. Malcolm Brogdon is expected to return after resting during Monday’s game. He will give the Pacers more stability at point guard and another dangerous scorer.
3 Keys To Watch
Wendell is the hub
A lot of the Orlando Magic’s focus has been on the guards and wings.
Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner represent the future of the team as rookies. Cole Anthony has had moments where he has looked like a dynamo offensively. Markelle Fultz is the newcomer now and represents more excitement in the backcourt.
But some recognition needs to be given to the Magic’s most consistent player and someone who does not get the attention he deserves. Wendell Carter has been solid all season long but he has been especially good in February.
Carter averaged 18.5 points per game and 10.7 rebounds per game in 11 games in February. Since coming back from a hamstring injury in mid-January, he is averaging 17.2 points per game, grabbing 10.3 rebounds per game and shooting 57.8-percent from the floor.
His impact goes beyond the stats. He is a solid screener and defender. He just makes everything work for the Magic and does a lot of things that just go really unappreciated.
3-point shooting
The Indiana Pacers lost Monday’s game largely because of turnovers. The Pacers turned it over 22 times for 22 points, including 10 turnovers in the third quarter. Indiana’s sloppy play and inability to break down Orlando’s defense was a big part of the game. Because the Pacers did a lot of other things well.
Indiana shot a better field goal percentage (48.6-percent) than Orlando and hit more threes (15 of 36 for the game). The difference in the game came down to the possession count created by turnovers and offensive rebounds. The Pacers have to protect the ball better and limit the Magic’s shots.
Their 3-pointers should be enough to keep them in the game. Their offense has been humming at nearly 117 points per 100 possessions since the trade deadline. The Magic hit more 3-pointers per game than the Pacers for the whole season. But the Pacers have made 14.0 per game since the trade deadline (fourth in the league).
Suggs humming
Jalen Suggs has experienced a ton of ups and downs as one would expect for a rookie. Friday, he was overeager and fouled himself out of the game — not to mention committing six turnovers. He bounced back Monday with 14 points and 10 assists, showing his ability to control his pace, finish at the rim and hit jumpers.
Controlling that speed has remained the biggest step for Suggs in his development. As he continues to get comfortable on the court, his production will increase.
We are already seeing it. Suggs is averaging 12.6 points per game with 5.3 assists per game since returning from injury 20 games ago. His shooting still has to dramatically improve — he is shooting 19.7-percent from three — but Suggs is starting to piece things together. That remains a positive sign for Orlando.