Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Game Preview

Pregame Report from AdventHealth Training Center   ORLANDO – After a tough start to the season – opening up the NBA calendar with a 5-20 mark – it’s remarkable that the Orlando Magic were able to respond and remain in postseason contention until early April.  By getting healthy, battling until the final buzzer in nearly every game, and showing signs of tremendous growth up and down the roster, Orlando has gone 29-25 over its last 54 contests. 

With their final home game in front of them, the Magic (34-45) will now attempt to secure a winning home record for the first time since 2019-20 when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers (50-30) on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.  “We’ve talked about it from the beginning of the year,” said Magic Head Coach Jamahl Mosley. “We’re going to continue to grow, we’re continuing to build.

To get these young guys better, understand what winning basketball is, understanding what winning habits are. That’s what this has to be about and that’s what this is about.”  Even though these two teams played at Amway Center just two nights ago – with Cleveland earning a 117-113 victory over Orlando – this contest is sure to look vastly different. 

With that win, the Cavs locked up the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race and as a result will rest five of their top players, as Jarrett Allen (right groin strain), Darius Garland (left lower leg contusion), Caris LeVert (right knee soreness), Donovan Mitchell (left hand; finger sprain), and Evan Mobley (rest) will not take the floor.  With the Magic now out of play-in tournament contention, it’s also likely that Orlando will experiment with different lineup combinations and perhaps limit or rest players who’ve logged a lot of minutes this season.  However, regardless of who takes the floor for the Magic, expect a hard-fought, competitive effort as is the staple of a Mosley-coached team. 

“We’ve competed all year, and I think that’s what these guys are going to continue to do, no matter the circumstances,” said Mosley.  QUOTE TO NOTE: “I think we’re building something very, very strong and very special here and our mindset still doesn’t change even with us being out. We’re still going into every game trying to improve and be the best team that we can be.

We had a great season. I think we put ourselves in position to learn this year and see what it’s like to play against playoff (teams); meaningful basketball and understanding what it takes to win those games. Again, that’s something that we have to continue to build and continue to work on as we go into the offseason.” – Magic point guard Markelle Fultz 

IN AND OUT: Jonathan Isaac (left adductor surgery) is the only player on the injury report and he’s out for Orlando.  For Cleveland, Allen, Garland, LeVert, Mitchell, Mobley, Isaac Okoro (left knee soreness), and Dylan Windler (left foot sprain) are all out.  KEY STAT: Magic fans have come out in droves to support their squad this season and the numbers back it up.

Four of the team’s top five attendance marks all-time have come during Orlando’s 2022-23 campaign with Tuesday’s showing falling third on that list. 

  • 19,482: 12/27/22 vs. Los Angeles Lakers 
  • 19,458: 4/12/17 vs. Detroit Pistons 
  • 19,449: 4/4/23 vs.

    Cavs 

  • 19,438: 2/7/23 vs.

    New York Knicks 

  • 19,431: 4/2/23 vs.

    Detroit Pistons 

Fan Appreciation: In order to give thanks for all that support, the Magic will celebrate the “sixth man” at the team’s final game with exclusive performances, giveaways, special offers and experiences on Thursday: 

  • Digital scratch off prizes for every fan which include player jerseys, autographed items, retail merchandise, team shop discounts, NBA 2K22, and gift cards 
  • In game contests with prizes that include a 4K TV, Apple Watch, iPad, Oculus Quest 2 and player autographed jerseys 
  • Postgame layups will be available to all fans  
  • 2,500 fans will receive a Magic-branded cross body bag courtesy of AdventHealth

HOW TO WATCH: Watch the game on Bally Sports Florida or tune in on radio via FM 96.9 The Game.  

Tags:

building-supplies-online-1 listed on couponmatrix.ukmorphe listed on couponmatrix.ukout-and-out listed on couponmatrix.ukscottish-power listed on couponmatrix.uksimba-sleep listed on couponmatrix.ukyankee-candle listed on couponmatrix.uk
building-supplies-online-1 listed on couponmatrix.ukFor all your DIY and work needs, Building Supplies Online is the place to go. Get the job done with everything you want and at a price you’ll love by using a Building Supplies Online discount code. Don’t get stuck traipsing around store after store, find all the tools and materials you need in one place, and shop from the comfort of your home! From windows and doors, to tiles and taps, get it all at Building Supplies Online.
morphe listed on couponmatrix.ukBeauty lovers, listen up - we’ve partnered with ones of the best makeup brands to help you save on all the essentials. Morphe is best known for its gorgeous eyeshadow palettes and makeup brushes, and with good reason—combining incredible quality with an affordable price tag and cruelty-free credentials, these are a must-have in every budding MUA’s kit! Make the most of a Morphe discount code to save on bold, beautiful picks to give you a flawless finish.
out-and-out listed on couponmatrix.ukOut and Out challenge everything we know about furniture shopping. This brand takes pride in creative designer furniture built to last the test of time. Each piece of furniture is thoughtfully designed with sustainably sourced materials - all for a price to rival big home decor brands. To get the best price on quality furniture for home and garden, check out our Out and Out discount codes. At Groupon, we want you to have that designer home feeling without the price tag.
scottish-power listed on couponmatrix.ukScottishPower provides fair prices and clean, green energy for homes and small businesses all over the UK. Moving house? Looking to save on your monthly bill? We love ScottishPower for its awesome customer service, easy-to-use online system and sustainable energy production. Make the most of a Scottish Power deal to save on your switch - there’s a tariff to work for your household’s needs, so you get the best deal for your energy!
simba-sleep listed on couponmatrix.ukGive the award-winning SIMBA hybrid mattress a spin and allow the support of 2,500 pocket springs and a layer of cloud-like memory foam to lull you into the best sleep of your life. A SIMBA mattress discount code from us will place those elusive sweet dreams within easy reach, cutting the cost of this perfectly engineered mattress and accompanying bedroom accessories. With cooling airflow, no motion transfer and the right support for people of all shapes and sizes, it’s not hard to see why SIMBA is the king of the mattress world.
yankee-candle listed on couponmatrix.ukTreat yourself to a candlelit dinner, sweet fragrance to freshen your home, or perfect gift with a Yankee Candle. The UK based retailer have provided candles since 1969 and are now market leaders in beautiful candles. Indulge your home in fragrances from black cherry, applewood, Cuban mojito, and many many more. With the Yankee Candle discount code, you can enjoy the peace and romance of candles for less. Whether you want to listen to the crackling of a wood wick candle or sit in meditation with a flickering soft light, the Yankee Candle range will have something for you.