Orlando Magic at Sacramento Kings: Game Preview

SACRAMENTO – The Orlando Magic tipped off their four-game West Coast trip by playing two star-studded squads capable of putting up points in bunches. 

Unfortunately, the story of those contests was the same. Untimely turnovers and missed opportunities down the stretch proved to be too costly to overcome as Orlando started off its trip 0-2. 

Now, the Magic (19-14) will attempt to apply the lessons they’ve learned from those matchups when they take the floor against the Sacramento Kings (19-13) on the second night of a back-to-back on Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET. 

“It’s a great opportunity and (the Warriors were) a great team to have played (on Tuesday) to use the same formula,” said Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley. “(The Kings) have a lot of the same things going for them. The speed, the pace of the game, the offensive rebounding, (and) the 3-point shooting. All of those things are lessons we can take from (Tuesday) and be able to carry over for (Wednesday).” 

As a top-10 scoring unit in the NBA, the Kings can put up points in a hurry. They use tremendous ball movement – they dish out the fifth-most assists (28.4) per contest in the league – to generate open looks and knock down the third-most triples (15.1) per game in the association. 

“They’re obviously super fast paced,” said Magic forward Franz Wagner. “A lot of shooting (and) a lot of off-ball screening. So, it’ll be the same type of effort required (on Wednesday) mentally and physically. It’s tough to play guys like that. So, we have to be ready.” 

While the Kings may not generate a ton of points off turnovers, they certainly have the personnel to capitalize on extra opportunities. And that’s exactly what’s plagued Orlando over its last five contests as its 16.0 turnovers per outing during that stretch are the second-most in the league. 

“Turnovers are going to be a big thing,” said Magic forward Paolo Banchero. “Taking care of the ball. Not giving them transition opportunities is going to be huge. They get out and run. They really shoot the ball. So, I think taking care of the ball (is important). Then, (we need) to do what we do. Attack the paint and defend. They have a lot of weapons. So, it’s going to be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to it and I’m excited.” 

Orlando will also need Banchero and Wagner to continue to produce at a high level. Over the last seven games, both players are averaging over 26 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game. 

“I keep saying it, that’s why they are both All-Stars to me,” said Mosley of his talented young duo. “They are trying to make those around them better. They show up trying to play the right way every single night. Knowing that the defenses are tilted towards them, they continue to play to make their teammates better as well as playing as hard as they can on both ends.” 

QUOTE TO NOTE: “(Paolo) has been playing great all year. He seems like he’s playing way more patient knowing he can get (his shot). He’s such a physical player. Him and Franz Wagner can pretty much get wherever they want. It’s just a matter of them making or missing because they’re that physical and (have) skill with the ball. They’ve both taken a leap and that’s reflected in their record. (They’re) two young guys that are starting to figure it out. And they’re tough. It’s not going to be a one-on-one situation (guarding them). You have to have all five guys ready to defend. They’re becoming game changers on that front.” – Golden State’s Steph Curry on Banchero and Wagner 

IN AND OUT: Markelle Fultz (left knee tendinitis), Jonathan Isaac (right hamstring; strain) Kevon Harris (G League – Two-Way), Jett Howard (G League – On Assignment), and Joe Ingles (left ankle; sprain) are out for Orlando. 

Sacramento’s injury report has not yet been submitted. 

KEY STATS: The Magic have dropped four straight contests against the Kings and 10 of the last 13 meetings overall.