Magic vs. Cavaliers Game Recap

Orlando Magic struggled to find their feet on the road Wednesday night suffering a 103-92 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers asserted themselves by the end of the first quarter and continued to apply pressure to the Magic throughout the remainder of the game. Cleveland led the entire second half of the game, but the Magic’s attempt to respond late, wouldn’t let them extend their 11-point lead.

The Magic lost more than just their game Wednesday evening, but another point guard. Cole Anthony will be out indefinitely after imaging shows he suffered an oblique injury following play. Anthony has averaged 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists over his last four games. The injury bug has plagued the Magic this season, with fellow point guard Markelle Fultz also on the sidelines after fracturing his foot during pre-season practice. Both guards now join four other players, Jalen Suggs (ankle), Moe Wagner (ankle), Jonathan Isaac (hamstring) and Gary Harris (knee), who are out of action due to injury.

INJURY UPDATE:
Following last night’s game at Cleveland, @OrlandoMagic guard Cole Anthony underwent imaging, which confirmed a right internal oblique muscle injury.

Anthony’s return to play will depend on how he responds to rehabilitation and treatment.#MagicTogether

— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) October 27, 2022

Rookie Magic History

Paolo Banchero, the top overall draft pick for Orlando, proved himself once again as one of the best NBA rookies of all time. Putting up 29 points, eight rebounds and four assists, this will now be his fifth consecutive game in the start of his career where he has scored over 20 points. Only five other rookies in NBA history have been able to achieve this feat. Banchero also scored the most points for Orlando in three of the last five season games.

that’s our rook pic.twitter.com/kgIByZIzyM

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) October 27, 2022

Another key player for the Magic was forward Franz Wagner, who posted 22 points, five rebounds and five assists. Alongside him was 7-foot-2 Bol Bol who made a career-high of 10 rebounds, and put up nine points.

The Cavalier Centers

The Cavaliers had several key players showing out for the home crowd. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen proved an essential duo on offense but bought strong play to both ends of the court.  Mobley made a season-high of 22 points, 17 of which were scored in the second half. Allen put up 18 points and 16 rebounds. Allen is averaging 13.5 points, and 11.5 boards with three double-doubles.  The chemistry between players on the court was strong but there is still a load of potential for improvement as Mobley continues to find his rhythm following interrupted pre-season training due to a sprained ankle.

Up Next

The Orlando Magic are back in action at home on Friday to take on the Charlotte Hornets at 7 p.m. The Cavs travel to Boston to play the Celtics