Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (Oct. 13, 2026): 3 Things to Watch, Odds and Prediction

• How To Watch: Peacock (National), NBC Sports Network (National), DAZN-Cleveland (Cleveland)
• STREAM MAGIC-CAVS ON FUBO TV
• How to Listen: 96.9 FM The Game (Orlando); WTAM 1100 (Cleveland); 100.7 WMMS (Cleveland); SiriusXM Channel 901 (Magic); SiriusXM Channel 885 (Cavs); NBA Audio League Pass (National)
• FOLLOW LIVE: @OMAGICDAILY
• Tickets: $13-$140+ on StubHub
• Regular Season Series: Cavaliers 119, Magic 105 in Cleveland on Oct. 11 (Preseason); Tonight in Orlando (Preseason); Dec. 16 in Orlando; Jan. 7 in Orlando; Feb. 6 in Cleveland
• 2026 Season Series: Cavs 119, Magic 105 in Orlando on Jan. 24; Cavs 114, Magic 98 in Cleveland on Jan. 26; Magic 128, Cavs 122 in Orlando on March 11; Cavs 136, Magic 131 in Cleveland on March 24

Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Stats and 3 Keys to Watch

1. Stars at the ready?

If there was a clear difference between the Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, it was in how the stars played.

James Harden caught fire from deep for 24 points on 7-for-10 shooting. He got to the line and made 7 of 9 from the foul line. Donovan Mitchell looked sharp as a facilitator and passer with 11 points, five rebounds and six assists.

The Magic's stars did not look nearly as sharp. Franz Wagner had 10 points on 4-for-7 shooting but four turnovers. Paolo Banchero missed his first eight shots, finishing with 10 points on 1-for-10 shooting and three turnovers. He still got to the line for 10 free throws to boost his scoring, making 7-of-10.

This likely only means that the teams are working on different things at this juncture. The Cleveland Cavaliers are a more veteran team and have only three preseason games (Tuesday is their final tune-up), so there seemed to be more urgency to get the most out of this game.

The Magic seemed more content to feel out their new offense and its spacing principles. The Magic's stars were not looking to assert themselves as scorers too much -- although Wagner's scoring burst early in the game was a big reason the Magic stayed competitive.

Both teams should know their stars will be there. How they play in this game will determine a lot for the preseason.

2. Defensive readiness

If there is one common denominator between the Orlando Magic's two preseason games, it was the physical tone set in the first quarter.

The Memphis Grizzlies said the Orlando Magic came out firing and aggressive in the first quarter of their game Wednesday and got the jump on them to build that early double-digit lead. The Magic were clearly a more motivated and energetic team to make their debut and gained confidence with the early makes.

Sunday, the Cleveland Cavaliers were dictating a lot of terms defensively and knocking the Orlando Magic off balance. The Magic were caught on the back foot, and the Cavs took control from the start. That left the Magic going uphill in a game where they are still figuring some things out.

It is the preseason. Everybody is working on something different. But coming out strong from the jump will be a key theme throughout the season. And the Magic have to be more assertive to open the game when their starters are in.

3. Jase and Jevon

At some point, Anthony Black will return to the rotation after dealing with an ankle injury early in camp. He has started practicing again and should make his return tonight or Friday.

With Jalen Suggs not too far behind (or ahead, it is hard to tell), that will push an interesting decision into the background again.

Jase Richardson got the nod to start these last two games with all the guards out of the lineup. That may not be a sign of what the coaching staff thinks of him or his role on this team. But it is an opportunity for Richardson.

While he has not shined brightly with the other starters, Richardson has had a solid preseason. He was key to the 12-0 run in the third quarter that got the Magic back in the game. He has the offensive spacing and capabilities to make an impact and be a sparkplug.

Jevon Carter is a veteran point guard. He is a solid defender and a capable shooter. I still think he is going to get the nod for the rotation and the backup point guard spot. But every game is information and an opportunity to make inroads.

For Richardson, the preseason is still vital to showcase where he is at and what he can contribute.

Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Injury Report & Projected Lineups

Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report*

• Nae'Qwon Tomlin -- QUESTIONABLE (Back)
• Khalifa Diop -- QUESTIONABLE (Knee)

Orlando Magic Injury Report*

• Jalen Suggs -- QUESTIONABLE (Illness)
• Anthony Black -- QUESTIONABLE (Ankle Sprain)
• Jonathan Isaac -- DOUBTFUL (Personal Reasons)
• Izaiyah Nelson -- OUT (Ankle Surgery)

*Injury report based on media reports. There is no official injury reports during the preseason.

Projected Starting Lineups

Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Prediction

2027 Preseason Record: 1-1/1-1 ATS
2026 Record: 55-36/39-52 ATS

Again, predicting preseason games is a fool's errand. What Sunday's game showed is that the Cleveland Cavaliers are a little more put together and understanding what they are trying to do than the Orlando Magic. That is the only reason to mark this game as a "lean Cavs."

To be sure, the Magic must look better in this game.

They did not execute their spacing principles effectively. As the team described it at shootaround, the team got a bit too deep into the paint and allowed the Cavs to envelop them. They were also just downright sloppy with turnovers.

Some of that is to be expected because it is the preseason. It looked like a preseason game and a team still learning.

The goal then for Tuesday's game is to improve. The Magic keep repeating all they are looking to do is build on their foundation in these games. And so Orlando's goal will be to have a better showing and start to put all the pieces together against a quality opponent, likely playing most of its starters.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow