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.  

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