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Orlando Magic (14-19) vs Toronto Raptors (26-10), Amway Center
The Orlando Magic will host the Toronto Raptors at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.
The Magic are coming off a loss against the Phoenix Suns, whereas the Raptors beat the Miami Heat on Wednesday.
It is an essential game for the Magic, and they desperately need a win here. They are standing at 10th place in the Eastern Conference, and will be targeting the playoffs.
The Raptors have had injury problems lately, and have been resting their players time and again. Serge Ibaka has missed a few games now, while Kyle Lowry has been in and out. Orlando can take advantage of that tonight.
Let us see how things stand for both teams.
The Orlando Magic perspective
The Magic have lost four games back to back now and will be looking to avoid the fifth loss, but the challenge will be tough tonight as they face the leading team in the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors.
They had a close loss to the Phoenix Suns the day before as they lost by just two points. D.J. Augustin had a big game with 27 points and six assists.
Nikola Vucevic scored 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Terrence Ross came off the bench and contributed 18 points.
Nine players entered the court against the Suns, and seven out of them scored in double figures, which shows excellent depth in the lineup. However, they fell short as Suns took the win by just two points.
As a team, the Magic are averaging 102.9 points and shooting 44.3% from the field. They are grabbing 42.3 rebounds per game and shooting 35.2% from beyond the three-point line.
They will be looking to take advantage of the home crowd and end the losing streak tonight.
The Toronto Raptors perspective
The Raptors have won half of their last ten games and have been missing consistency. The main reason for being inconsistent is that the players have missed a few matches each lately, due to injuries and rest.
They beat the Miami Heat in the last match by 106-104. Kyle Lowry missed the game, while Kawhi Leonard scored 30 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Serge Ibaka made a comeback but scored just 6 points in 30 minutes of play.
Fred Van Vleet has been a great back up point guard to Kyle Lowry. He scored 16 points and dished two assists on the night.
As a team, the Raptors are averaging 114.1 points and shooting 48.1% from the field. They are grabbing 45.3 rebounds per game and shooting 34% from beyond the arc.
They will be looking to build some momentum with most of the squad back on the court.
Injury updates
Kyle Lowry will miss this match again. He has been dealing with thigh problems and back spasms. He has now missed five games in two weeks.
Key Matchup
Ibaka vs Vucevic
Both are very skilled centers, but Ibaka is just back from the injury and had a tough time against the Heat. So, Vucevic will be high on confidence. Moreover, Vucevic is a great offensive player and can make life tough for Serge Ibaka tonight.
How things might unfold
The Magic have been horrible at home as they have lost their last six games at the Amway Center. They have a skilled lineup but have been slumping lately, and backing them is not an option tonight.
The Raptors have not been themselves in the last few games due to injuries and will miss Kyle Lowry yet again, but they have still are very dangerous with Ibaka, Leonard and Green ready to go in all guns blazing tonight.
Prediction: Toronto Raptors to beat Orlando Magic
