sport":"Basketball"}" data-away-team-id="38" data-channel="FanDuel Sports Network Florida" data-date="Nov. 18, 2024" data-home-record="9-5" data-home-team="{"division":"NBA Pacific","id":"66","league":"NBA","logoUrl":"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/content-enrichment/teams/phoenix-suns-KtdFlhVuA.png","name":"Phoenix Suns","shortName":"Suns","sport":"Basketball"}" data-home-team-id="66" data-odds="Magic by 1.5 (O/U 209.5)" data-time="9P">On November 18, 2024, the Orlando Magic, boasting a record of 9-5, will face off against the Phoenix Suns, who hold an 8-6 record. The odds favor the Magic by 1.5 points, with an over/under set at 209.5 total points. The matchup will air at 9 PM on FanDuel Sports Network Florida.
WATCH MAGIC-SUNS ON FUBO TV
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Tickets: $11-$460+ on StubHub
Season Series: This game marks the first meeting in Phoenix, with a return match scheduled for December 8 in Orlando.
Our Record: 10-4/6-8 ATS
The Orlando Magic have showcased stark contrasts between their home and away performances. At home, they have exuded dominance, tightening their defense and stifling opponents from scoring.
The Magic’s three-game road trip presents an opportunity for reclamation. After struggling with the initial shock of Paolo Banchero‘s injury, the team has regained some momentum at home, capitalizing on their recent successes. However, they must learn to replicate this momentum on the road to transform their promising home performance into away victories.
Facing the Suns is no easy task, especially considering their competitive play and roster dynamics.
Devin Booker has stepped up significantly, recently scoring 44 points, alongside six rebounds and seven assists in a narrow loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, the Suns are currently without the talents of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, which adds pressure to their lineup. With the status of Grayson Allen and Jusuf Nurkic uncertain following their injuries, the Suns face their own complications as they attempt to maintain their competitive edge on the court.
sport":"Basketball"}" data-away-team-id="38" data-home-score="106" data-home-team="{"division":"NBA Pacific","id":"66","league":"NBA","logoUrl":"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/content-enrichment/teams/phoenix-suns-KtdFlhVuA.png","name":"Phoenix Suns","shortName":"Suns","sport":"Basketball"}" data-home-team-id="66" data-score-type="Prediction">In this anticipated matchup, the prediction leans toward the Orlando Magic triumphing over the Phoenix Suns, with a projected score of 110 to 106.
2. Slow Starts
Slow starts have frequently plagued the Orlando Magic throughout their last road trip, particularly in their losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks. In these, they fell behind early and struggled to recover their footing.
One key statistic lies in their performance during first quarters. Orlando currently ranks 24th in the league with a dismal -9.5 net rating in first quarters, which highlights their tendency to allow high-scoring openings from opponents. Fixing their sluggish starts is essential if they aim to achieve better outcomes in away games.
1. The one that got away
Concerns surrounding the point guard situation have heightened among fans as the Orlando Magic neglected to secure a stronger playmaking presence during the offseason. Their reliance on Jalen Suggs, alongside their standout forwards, has yielded mixed results so far.
Frustrations have echoed among Magic supporters regarding their missed opportunity to sign Tyus Jones, who ultimately joined the Phoenix Suns. His current averages—10.6 points, 6.6 assists, and a three-point shooting percentage of 37.1%—demonstrate his impact as a playmaker, leaving many wondering what could have been if the Magic had secured his talents.
Jones’s performance might be a symbol of the Orlando Magic’s what could have been, serving as a reminder of the critical importance of strategic signings for team success.
How will the absence of Paolo Banchero impact the Magic’s performance against the Suns?
“tagStyle_4o6kkn-o_O-style_1tcxgp3-o_O-style_1pinbx1-o_O-style_48hmcm” data-mm-id=”_0oiaqik9c”>This trend needs to be addressed if they hope to secure a win against the Suns. The Magic must focus on starting strong and maintaining their intensity throughout the game to avoid falling into an early deficit that could impact their overall performance.
3. Key Matchups
Key matchups will play a critical role in determining the outcome of the game. How the Magic’s defense matches up against Devin Booker, who is currently stepping up his offensive game, will be a focal point. Furthermore, the Magic’s ability to contain the Suns’ remaining offensive threats will be essential.
The performance of the Magic’s young talent as they step up in the absence of Paolo Banchero will also be crucial, particularly against a Suns team that remains competitive despite its injury issues.
Final Thoughts
The matchup between the Orlando Magic and the Phoenix Suns promises to be an exciting contest filled with competitive spirit. The Magic will need to iron out their slow starts, leverage their home-court record, and exploit the current state of the Suns roster. With the prediction in favor of a close contest, both teams will likely leave it all on the court as they look to claim a vital win early in the season.
