The Orlando Magic (24-23) will face the San Antonio Spurs (10-37) on Jan. 31 as they look to bounce back from a narrow loss to the Dallas Mavericks. This will be the first meeting of the season between these two teams, with the Spurs having the edge in recent history, winning six of the last seven matchups.
MAGIC’S MOMENTUM VERSUS SPURS DILEMMA: The Magic currently sit in eighth place in the Eastern Conference and will need to rediscover their winning ways from their recent losses. On the other hand, the Spurs remain at the bottom of the West despite showing signs of improvement in their last two wins.
INJURY UPDATE: Both teams are facing some injury concerns. The Spurs’ Keldon Johnson and Zach Collins are questionable, while the Magic’s Markelle Fultz could miss time with a knee injury. Orlando’s Gary Harris remains sidelined with a calf injury.
Projected Lineup Franz Wagner is expected to return to the Magic’s starting lineup, pairing with Jalen Suggs in the backcourt. Paul Banchero, Jonathan Isaac and Wendell Carter Jr. round out the frontcourt. For the Spurs, Victor Venbanyama is expected to start at center, with Jeremy Sosson and Julian Champagne flanking him. Tre Jones and Devon Vassell will make up the projected starting five.
BETTING TIP: Wimbanyama is highly regarded for his scoring ability, but his 25.5-point projection could be risky. Paolo Banchero, who tends to get his teammates involved, could also be a tricky pick. Although the Spurs are struggling, they could still make up a 4.5-point deficit with home-court advantage, and the point total could exceed expectations.
Intriguing: This game will be an intriguing matchup: the Magic are looking for redemption, while the Spurs are struggling for consistency. With key injuries and potential reversals, the first meeting between the two will be an exciting and hard-fought battle.
