If you seemed on the schedule for the Orlando Magic’s ongoing season-long seven-game homestand earlier than it began, a 3-2 report by means of the primary 5 video games would’ve felt like an optimistic outlook.
But that’s precisely what the Magic (4-9) have achieved to date getting into Monday’s matchup vs. the Charlotte Hornets (3-11) at Amway Center.
While it could have felt just like the Magic let video games get away from them of their defeats to the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 5 — they misplaced after blowing a 20-point third-quarter lead and a De’Aaron Fox 31-foot buzzer-beating 3-pointer in time beyond regulation — and the league-worst Houston Rockets on Nov. 7, their wins have been extra spectacular.
Victories over the defending champion Golden State Warriors, the Dallas Mavericks — a Western Conference finalist from final yr — and the Phoenix Suns, who had final season’s finest regular-season report, are wins to be pleased with whatever the circumstances.
Now it’s time for them to complete the homestretch on a excessive observe, with Magic additionally taking part in the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday at Amway Center to wrap up the homestand.
“Just being home, in front of these home fans, is something that’s special,” coach Jamahl Mosley mentioned. “The energy they give and keep providing our guys is a big key to us doing what we’ve been doing. Our learning lessons as each game has gone on have been big for us.”
Those classes have included particulars akin to improved communication when in a switching protection, not fouling as a lot or transferring the ball and spacing the ground higher offensively.
“We’ve talked constantly about being able to protect the rim, getting better there; our ability to defend the 3,” Mosley mentioned. “That Houston game hit us pretty good. But staying the course on the little things. Those are things we’re trying to hit home on: Protection of the paint, taking away the 3 and defending without fouling. We’ll have to continue to improve at taking care of the basketball as well.”
Hornets All-Star guard LaMelo Ball with be obtainable Monday after being absent for the Magic’s win over the Hornets on Oct. 28. Ball was sidelined for the primary 13 video games due to a sprained left ankle. He made his debut in Charlotte’s loss on the Miami Heat on Saturday, ending with 15 factors (6-of-17 taking pictures, 1 of 9 on 3s), six assists and 6 rebounds in 28 minutes.
Paolo Banchero (sprained left ankle) was listed as questionable on the Magic’s Sunday harm report, as anticipated. He missed the wins over the Mavericks and the Suns with the harm.
Mosley mentioned Banchero practiced Saturday, including, “He went through all the drills we put forth for him.”
The coach mentioned that Banchero’s standing stays day-to-day and he’ll be a game-time choice for Monday.
Cole Anthony (torn proper inner indirect), Markelle Fultz (fractured left large toe), Gary Harris (left knee harm restoration), Jonathan Isaac (left knee harm restoration) and Moe Wagner (sprained proper midfoot) stay sidelined.
Hornets forwards Gordon Hayward (left shoulder contusion) and Cody Martin (left knee surgical procedure) are listed as out whereas guard Dennis Smith Jr. (sprained left ankle) is uncertain to play.
The Magic will put on their all-black City Edition uniforms, which additionally function a metallic grey accent, for the primary time and can unveil the City Edition court docket that’ll be used once they put on the jerseys at dwelling.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at [email protected] or comply with him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com