The Orlando Magic’s start to their 2022-23 campaign has been anything but easy.
Orlando opened up its season with three of its four contests on the road, and its one home game was a matchup against the reigning Eastern Conference champions, the Boston Celtics.
The Magic’s (0-4) quest for their first victory of the season doesn’t get any easier on Wednesday when they visit the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers (2-1) at 7 p.m. ET.
“The things we have to work on from the last couple of games, we have to (improve on) here,” said Bol Bol, who posted career highs in points (19) and blocks (four) against the New York Knicks on Monday. “Executing down the stretch and definitely rebounding because they’re a very good team.”
The Cavs enter the contest having won two straight games. Cleveland has been one of the most balanced squads to open the season, possessing both a top-five offensive rating (116.7) and defensive rating (104.4). While we’re obviously still in small sample size season, they’ve been scorching from beyond the arc, knocking down a league-best 44.3 percent of their 3-point attempts. The Cavs led by big men Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley have also done a great job of controlling the glass, recording the NBA’s third-highest rebound percentage (52.9 percent).
“As a unit – something we haven’t done the last couple of games – limit their offensive rebounds,” said Magic guard Cole Anthony. “They’ve got Jarrett Allen, who’s probably one of the best offensive rebounders in the league. So, we’re going to have gang rebound and force Cleveland to take tough shots.”
Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell, who was acquired by Cleveland via a blockbuster offseason trade, has made an immense impact on his new squad. The three-time NBA All-Star tipped off the 2022-23 campaign with three straight 30-plus-point efforts, becoming just the third player in NBA history to record 30-plus points in his first three games with a new team. He joins Wilt Chamberlain (eight straight in 1959-60 with PHI) and Glenn Robinson (three straight in 2002-03 with ATL) as the only players to accomplish such a feat.
“The key to tonight’s game is we’re going to have to slow down Donovan Mitchell,” said Anthony. “He’s been killing. He’s over thirty-points per game since the season started. We’re going to have to contain him.”
KEY STAT: After missing the opener due to an illness, Anthony has put together three straight quality outings. He’s second in the team in scoring (17.7 points per game), fifth in rebounding (4.3 boards), and first in assists (4.0).
Over the course of the third-year guard's career, he's now averaging 15.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His numbers put him in exclusive company.
Since 2020-21 (min. 50 games), there are only four players in the NBA that are 22 years old or younger to average 15-plus points, five-plus rebounds and five-plus assists per game:Luka Doncic, LaMelo Ball, Cade Cunningham, and Anthony.
IN AND OUT: Orlando will once again be without Markelle Fultz (fractured big left toe), Gary Harris (left knee injury recovery), Jonathan Isaac (left knee injury recovery), Jalen Suggs (sprained right ankle) and Moe Wagner (sprained right midfoot).
For Cleveland, Darius Garland (left eye laceration), Isaiah Mobley (G-League Two-Way), Ricky Rubio (left knee; ACL surgery), and Dylan Windler (right ankle sprain) are out.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I feel like if they put a big man on me, I can beat them with my quickness and my length. If they put someone smaller on me, of course my length and my ability to shoot over people (give me a matchup advantage).” – Bol, who’s impressed with his unique set of skills to start the season
HOW TO WATCH: Watch tonight's game on Bally Sports Florida or tune in on radio via FM 96.9 The Game.