Cooper Albers takes you through his preview, prediction and pick for Sunday’s NBA matchup between the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies.
The NBA continues its global tour on Sunday as the Orlando Magic meet the Memphis Grizzlies at The O2 in London.
The squads met earlier this week in Berlin, where the Magic overcame a 20-point deficit and secured a 118–111 victory.
Orlando (23–18, 5th East) has won three of its last four games and recently welcomed back standout point guard Franz Wagner. Memphis (17–23, 11th West), meanwhile, has lost seven of its last nine, though it recently took down the second-seeded Spurs.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Orlando Magic
Out: Jalen Suggs (Knee), Colin Castleton (Illness)
Questionable: Jett Howard (Illness)
Memphis Grizzlies
Out: Brandon Clarke (Calf), Zach Edey (Ankle), Scotty Pippen Jr. (Toe), Ty Jerome (Calf)
Questionable: Santi Aldama (Calf)
Probable: Ja Morant (Calf)
Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. ET. Orlando enters as a 4.5-point favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Memphis sits as a +150 underdog. The game’s total is set at 231.5 points.
Magic vs. Grizzlies Preview
Orlando Magic Preview
Franz Wagner made his long-awaited return in his native country and immediately made an impact. On Thursday, the German guard — sidelined since Dec. 7 with an ankle sprain — scored 18 points with three triples and nine rebounds in 27 minutes against the Grizzlies. Meanwhile, former first overall pick Paolo Banchero led the way with 26 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and four steals to catalyze the comeback victory.
Wagner, who averages 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, bolsters a Magic lineup that owns a 15th-ranked net rating and a near top-ten defense. While Orlando will still be without Jalen Suggs for Sunday’s contest, it can also lean on guards Desmond Bane and Anthony Black, the latter of whom has scored 20-plus points in three straight games.
Memphis Grizzlies Preview
The Grizzlies have a bad taste in their mouths after coughing up a 20-point lead in Germany. Fortunately, they won’t have to wait long for a shot at redemption — and potentially with reinforcements.
With Ja Morant sidelined Thursday, Jaren Jackson Jr. anchored Memphis’ attack with 30 points. Santi Aldama and Cedric Coward lit it up from deep, combining for 35 points with seven treys. Now, the former All-Star guard could return to the lineup for the first time since suffering a calf strain earlier this month, as he’s listed as probable for Sunday’s game against Orlando.
Still, Memphis has struggled immensely, even with Morant. The Grizzlies are just 6–12 with the former Rookie of the Year on the floor — and they own the NBA’s 24th-ranked offense for the season.
Magic vs. Grizzlies Pick, Best Bet
While Memphis could receive a decent jolt if Morant suits up, it likely won’t be enough to keep up with Orlando’s potent offense. Count on Wagner and Banchero to lead the charge and propel the Magic to another statement victory over the Grizzlies on European soil.