Orlando Magic vs. Washington Wizards: Game Preview
ORLANDO – Owners of an NBA-best seven-game winning streak, the Orlando Magic are currently drawing plenty of national attention.
Their red-hot 12-5 start to the season has caught many media pundits by surprise.
It’s understandable that those outside of Orlando could be caught off guard by the Magic knocking off the defending champion Denver Nuggets and NBA-leading Boston Celtics amidst a lengthy win streak. However, what should not be shocking is the way that they’re doing it.
Since his arrival, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley has preached that the pathway to success for Orlando is through its defensive identity, accomplishing goals by committee, and fostering the growth of its young talent.
Through the first 17 games of the season, his team has done exactly that.
The Magic will look to remain true to their principles and extend their winning streak to eight games when they host the Washington Wizards (3-14) on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.
“(Our team is) getting the message that what we’ve talked about, it works,” said Mosley. “Our guys have registered that we are doing the right thing. They’re now grasping all the concepts that we need. There is a maturity of bringing this group back together, which I think is great. Now, you know that guys are getting the lesson of what we’re trying to teach.”
The Magic’s defense, which rates top three in the NBA (107.0), will be tested by a Wizards offense that plays with tremendous pace. Washington is currently second in the league with a 103.88 mark.
“We want to play fast – that’s the simple answer,” said Magic forward Paolo Banchero, who was recently named the NBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Week. “We have the personnel to where we can get up and down off a make or a miss. That’s the goal (and) that’s when we’re at our best. The flipside is just being able to defend teams that play the same way. I think we’re very good in the halfcourt defensively. We can work on being better in transition.”
Defensively, the rebuilding Wizards are off to a tough start. Their defense has a bottom three rating (119.3). They’re also giving up the second most points in the paint (58.5) and the fourth most second chance points (16.1) – two areas where the Magic thrive.
IN AND OUT: Jonathan Isaac (left ankle; sore) is questionable, while Wendell Carter Jr. (left hand; fractured third metacarpal), Markelle Fultz (left knee tendinitis), Kevon Harris (coach’s decision), Jett Howard (G League – On Assignment), and Trevelin Queen (G League – Two-Way) are out for Orlando.
Carter, however, is making progress. Orlando’s center recently had his cast removed and was getting up shots after the team’s practice session on Tuesday.
“It’s going good,” said Carter. “I got a good report from the doctor today, so I’m in a good head space. I’m definitely trending in the right direction of coming back soon.”
For Washington, Ryan Rollins (right knee strain) and Delon Wright (left knee sprain) are out.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's really special. It's just a nice award to get, especially with the way that we've been playing. Just to get recognized throughout the Eastern Conference is nice. I was happy with it." - Banchero on being named the Eastern Conference Play of the Week
KEY STATS: The Magic improved to 12-5 with their win over the Hornets on Sunday. Orlando did not record its 12th victory last season until Dec. 21 in its 33rd game. That marks the Magic’s best record through 17 games since the 2011-12 campaign, when the Magic were also 12-5. It's also the 12th time in team history that Orlando has 10-plus wins during its first 15 games of the season.
The Magic will have the chance to extend their winning streak to eight games on Wednesday. It would be the first time since the 2010-11 season that it had a win streak of at least eight games and would be just one shy of the longest streak in franchise history (nine – happened twice) per Basketball Reference.
PICKLEBALL NIGHT: Pickleball enthusiasts are already well aware that the City Beautiful is home to the Major League Pickleball champion Orlando Squeeze.
Now, fans will have the unique opportunity on Wednesday night to receive a co-branded Magic x Squeeze pickleball paddle and attend an exclusive meet and greet with Squeeze players prior to the Magic’s game against the Wizards at Amway Center by securing tickets through this link.