Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (Oct. 14, 2022): 3 Things To Watch, Odds and Prediction
The Orlando Magic finish their preseason against the Cleveland Cavaliers as they look to build off a win Tuesday night and look ahead to Wednesday’s season opener.
Orlando Magic (3-1) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (1-2)
Time/TV: 7 p.m./Bally Sports Florida
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Line via WynnBet: Magic by 2
Tickets: $15-$1,314 on StubHub
2022 Season Series: Cavaliers 105, Magic 92 in Cleveland on Nov. 27; Cavaliers 107, Magic 101 in Cleveland on March 28; Magic 120, Cavaliers 115 in Orlando on April 5
2023 Season Series: Oct. 26 in Cleveland; Dec. 2 in Cleveland; April 4 in Orlando; April 6 in Orlando
| 2022 Preseason | Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | 101.8 | 102.6 | 106.6 | 50.2 | 27.2 | 15.7 | 25.2 |
| Orlando | 103.5 | 101.0 | 101.0 | 51.8 | 23.6 | 19.6 | 24.2 |
OMD Prediction
The Cleveland Cavaliers are eager for this game because they get to see Evan Mobley for the first time this season after he sprained his ankle earlier in the preseason. However, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell did not travel with the team. So this is not exactly the same as the dress rehearsal the Magic got on Tuesday.
Still, Orlando has some things it wants to accomplish in this game.
Coach Jamahl Mosley appears as though he will play many of his starters to continue tweaking rotation and examining lineups. So there is still something to gain from this game for the Magic in this final preseason game.
But do not expect the team to play players the heavy minutes they saw Tuesday. The team is going to get its work in and likely get out quickly. So, again, the result of the game does not matter. The Magic have still accomplished a lot this preseason and this is just about continuing to layer on that foundation.
156. 107. 38. Prediction. 98
3 Keys To Watch
Tying up the defense
A lot of the focus of the Orlando Magic has been fretting about the offense. The team was one of the worst offenses in the league last year and near the bottom of every offensive statistical category that matters offensively. So there is some nervousness about the offense and how the Magic are going to shift on that end.
But this is still a defensive team. And this is still the centerpiece of what the team is doing. It is worth checking in on that end.
The Magic are playing some very good defense. When the team settles down, its hustle and rotations are largely on point. The length the team has on the interior is very strong. And teams are having a hard time breaking them down. Aside from a few too many open threes and poor transition defense at time (there is the offense again!), the Magic have been pretty strong defensively.
The only weakness of the team’s half-court defense at least has been the fouling. If the Magic can keep their opponents off the foul line, this could be a very strong defensive team. They have all the tools to be a tough team to score on.
In this game, Orlando has to reduce the free throws the team gives up.
Paolo-Franz-Wendell
The reason why Orlando Magic fans are so excited about this team is centered completely on this front-court trio. Paolo Banchero, Fanz Wagner and Wendell Carter are all incredibly smart playmakers and willing passers. They all know how to take over when it is called upon.
The only thing that has been lacking is the time on the floor together. Some of that has been because of how the Magic have managed Wagner’s return from EuroBasket. That is completely fair to do. But the trio has had their promising moments.
Wagner’s connection with Carter is abundantly clear. The two dominated the end of the game Tuesday to cement the win. Banchero though has gotten his shots in. Carter and Wagner have found Banchero plenty of times on cuts to the basket. They are learning to play off each other. And it sure feels natural so far.
End of the roster fun
The Orlando Magic have been focused on their main roster players and trying to get everyone on the same page. But this is the final preseason game, so this may be the time to dig a bit deeper and see the rest of the roster.
Tuesday, the Magic got a good taste of what Bol Bol and Caleb Houstan can do. Houstan was a knock-down shooter but his defense and energy were noticeable in his breakout preseason performance Tuesday.
Bol remains a major experiment for the Magic in general but the goal has been just letting him get out and play after dealing with injuries for so long. Bol is starting to get more comfortable on the court and that is enabling him to assert himself.
This could be a big game for Bol simply because he is going to get plenty of time to play. But he is not the only one. Remember the last preseason game was the game where Jeff Dowtin had his big moment and game-winning shot.
Next. Orlando Magic's young core is turning heads already. dark
This could be a big game for Kevon Harris (30.4 total minutes) as the Magic’s two-way player. It could be a big game for Devin Cannady (17.4 total minutes) who is fighting for a roster spot. Then there are Exhibit 10 players Jay Scrubb and Simi Shittu could get their first glimpses at an NBA floor as they prepare for their season likely with the Lakeland Magic.