The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to pick up their third-straight win over the Orlando Magic as they head on the road to take on a team that could be playing their best basketball of the season.
This has been a frustrating season for Orlando. An injury to Franz Wagner and a still disjointed offense have kept the Magic from reaching the heights many envisioned for them when they traded for Desmond Bane last summer. Bane has been as advertised, but his shooting hasn’t transformed the offense, as they’re still in the bottom third of the league in offensive rating.
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The Magic are, however, playing well right now. They’ve won four in a row and seven of their last 10. They could be peaking at the right time.
We’ll see how the Cavs handle this team in what could be a preview of a first-round playoff matchup.
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Who:Â Cleveland Cavaliers (40-25) at Orlando Magic (35-28)
Where: Kia Center – Orlando, FL
When: Wed. March 11 at 7:30 PM
TV: ESPN, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network App
Point spread: Cavs -2.5
Cavs injury report: Jarrett Allen – OUT (knee), Tyrese Proctor – OUT (quad), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Olivier Sarr – OUT (G League)
Magic injury report: Franz Wagner – OUT (ankle), Anthony Black – OUT (abdominal strain), Johnathan Isaac – QUESTIONABLE (knee), Jasse Richardson – QUESTIONABLE (back)
Cavs expected starting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley
Magic expected starting lineup: Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Tristan da Silva, Paola Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.
Previous matchup: The Cavs defeated the Magic 114-98 behind 45 points from Donovan Mitchell on Jan. 26
Here’s a look at both teams’ impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.
Offensive Rating
Defensive Rating
Net Rating
Cavs
118.1 (8th)
113.8 (11th)
+4.2 (8th)
Magic
114.5 (20th)
113.8 (12th)
+0.7 (16th)
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