Previously in the Magic world, Orlando scratched and clawed past the Minnesota Timberwolves, 118-110 on Friday night.
Mo Bamba had a double-double with 27 points and 12 rebounds, all while shooting 10-15 from the field. Wendell Carter Jr. also had a double-double, netting 20 points and 10 boards. The Magic showed their offensive wizardry more with Moritz Wagner (18 points), Cole Anthony (15 points), and Markelle Fultz (14 points). In perspective, the Magic were 40-86 from the field, 16-40 from downtown, 22-25 from the free throw line with 49 boards and 31 assists.
How will Orlando respond this time around to a Philadelphia 76ers team who has won the last seven head-to-head matchups?
Sunday night will feature a tip-off at the Amway Center between the Philadelphia 76ers (40-25) and the last-place Orlando Magic (18-50).
The Magic have defeated the New York Knicks twice, Minnesota Timberwolves twice, Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers twice, Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, and the New Orleans Pelicans. This will be the 125th regular season meeting between the 76ers and the Magic; where Orlando leads the series, 79-45.
Experience is a factor in this matchup as Terrence Ross has played 699 minutes with 310 points, 94 rebounds, and 37 assists, all while shooting 110-255 from the field, 51-127 from downtown, and 39-43 from the free throw line. In five games versus Philly, Cole Anthony has 103 points, 29 boards, 22 assists, 34-87 at the field, 10-28 from three, 25-29 from the line with 147 total minutes calculated.
In order to win or even keep the game close, the Magic will have to stop the presence of Joel Embiid and James Harden.