Magic Eyeing Crucial Win vs. Nets to Reach .500 Mark
Image Source: Internet
The Orlando Magic are set to face the Brooklyn Nets on Friday in an NBA Cup game, with a vital win needed to take their record above .500. The Magic opened the season with a win over the Miami Heat, but lost their next four games, before rebounding with five wins in their last seven matches to even their record at 6-6. Despite suffering a broken nose, Franz Wagner led the Magic to a 124-107 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday, scoring 28 points and nine rebounds. Wagner's performance was praised by teammate Desmond Bane, who noted that the star player's determination and skill remain unchanged, regardless of the circumstances. However, the Magic will be without star player Paolo Banchero, who suffered a left groin strain in the second quarter of the Knicks game. An MRI on Thursday confirmed the injury, and Banchero has been ruled out for Friday's game. He is considered day-to-day moving forward. The Nets, who have lost 10 of their first 11 games, are also struggling to find their footing. Despite a 16-point performance from rookie guard Ego Demin, the team has lost three consecutive games, including a 125-107 setback to the Detroit Pistons in their last NBA Cup game. The Magic, who beat the Boston Celtics 123-110 in their last NBA Cup game, will look to maintain their momentum and take their first win of the season against the Nets. Brooklyn's Michael Porter Jr. and Nic Claxton each scored 21 points in their last game against the Toronto Raptors, but it may not be enough to overcome the Magic's determination and skill.
