The Orlando Magic are hoping to leave their inconsistency behind them in order to avoid the play-in tournament, but have won three straight and will need to add three more in order to realistically finish No. 6 since the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors remain ahead of them. Orlando could slip to No. 9 since it leads Charlotte by just a half-game and would lose a tiebreaker if the teams end up even.<\/p>\n
The Magic will have both Franz Wagner and Anthony Black back off the injury report and available to play for the first time in months.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Minnesota is locked into the No. 6 seed in the West, so it is opting to rest players to ensure all personnel is healthy for a playoff series against whoever ends up the No. 3 seed between Denver and Houston. Jaden McDaniels, who has been sidelined over the past week, will suit up to try and get some run in and work some rust off.<\/p>\n
The Magic are 24-15 at home and 18-11 against Western Conference foes. The Wolves are 22-17 on the road and 18-11 against East opponents.<\/p>\n
Vitals – How to Watch Magic vs. Timberwolves<\/p>\n
Game date, time and location: Wednesday, April 7, 7:10 p.m. EST, Kia Center, Orlando, Florida<\/p>\n
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Florida (Magic), FanDuel Sports Network North (Timberwolves)<\/p>\n
Radio: FM 96.9 The Game\/AM 740 WYGM (Magic), KFXN (Timberwolves)<\/p>\n
Magic look for sweep of shorthanded Minnesota in playoff tuneup<\/p>\n
The Orlando Magic (43-36) host the Minnesota Timberwolves (47-32) in a playoff tune-up for both teams. Orlando is a double-digit favorite since the Wolves are resting most starters and will be looking to sweep the season series between these teams for the first time since 2021-22.<\/p>\n
Orlando won the first meeting at Target Center 119-92 on March 7, playing arguably its most complete game of the season. Anthony Edwards scored 34 points for the home team but got little help, felt there was a reason for the poor performance from his teammates but declined to elaborate.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Desmond Bane led the Magic with 30 points, while Paolo Banchero added 25 points and 15 rebounds. Orlando dominated the glass 58-37 in a high-effort performance and held the Timberwolves to 35.7 percent shooting, including a 9-for-40 showing from 3-point range.<\/p>\n
Orlando is up 45-27 in the all-time series over Minnesota dating back to 1989-90.<\/p>\n