For the Orlando Magic, it has come right down to discovering the fitting combos to fill non permanent gaps within the lineup, whereas the Charlotte Hornets cope with accidents which have altered their rotations as properly.
When the groups meet Tuesday night time in Orlando for his or her NBA Cup group-play opener, the Magic will attempt to enhance to 5-0 at dwelling. They’re coming off an enormous second half that helped them crush the Washington Wizards 121-94 on Sunday by scoring 60 factors after halftime.
Ahead Franz Wagner scored 23 factors because the Magic recorded a season-high level whole. Wagner has led Orlando in scoring for the previous 5 video games.
The Magic now have a season-best three-game profitable streak of their sights. They’re nonetheless adjusting to the absences of injured Paolo Banchero (indirect) and Wendell Carter Jr. (foot), with the duty to make up for that manufacturing unfold across the workforce.
“I am simply going to maintain making an attempt to place these performances collectively, hold working my manner again into the lineup and simply do what I can do,” mentioned Magic guard Cole Anthony, who scored 16 factors off the bench in opposition to Washington.
The Hornets fell 107-105 in additional time Sunday in opposition to the host Philadelphia 76ers after rallying from 16 factors down with 9:44 remaining in regulation.
“We’ll develop from this and study from it,” Charlotte coach Charles Lee mentioned.
Guard LaMelo Ball racked up 38 factors and eight assists for Charlotte, which is 1-3 in street video games. Ball hit a game-tying 3-pointer from the left nook as he was fading out of bounds to power additional time.
“I anticipate it each recreation, so it is not something shocking,” teammate Brandon Miller mentioned of Ball. “That is what he does — play at a excessive clip on this league, and he’ll hold getting higher day by day.”
Ball has scored greater than 30 factors in 4 of the final six video games.
Anthony has averaged simply 12.1 minutes per recreation to start out the season however he’s nonetheless enjoying with an edge, one thing that was evident after he drained a 3-pointer in Sunday’s recreation.
“He made the three on the fitting wing and got here again and stared at me the entire time like he had simply made six in a row,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley mentioned. “However that is who he’s … that fearless, assured chief on the ground when he is on the market.”
Anthony is seeking to bounce again from a ragged begin to the season, averaging 4.8 factors per recreation and capturing 26.3 p.c from 3-point vary.
“Clearly it hasn’t been the begin to the season that I’d have preferred, however I am hopeful,” Anthony mentioned. “I proceed to simply put my head down, grind, do what I have to do on and off the courtroom. I am simply going to maintain making an attempt to place these performances collectively.”
The Hornets have been dinged with accidents on the submit positions, which makes their 50-40 rebounding edge in opposition to the 76ers encouraging.
Within the Hornets’ backcourt, Tre Mann has been coping with again soreness to place his availability in query. He has been a set off the bench.
This shall be Orlando’s third recreation in a five-game homestand.
