Magic Look to Streak Against Injured Rockets

The Orlando Magic match up against the Houston Rockets Monday at 8 p.m. The Magic will hope to keep their winning ways alive after their 111-109 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks Saturday. Here is how tonight’s matchup looks beforehand:

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Magic keys to victory

The Magic come into tonight missing only two players in Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner. The Rockets will be missing two key players in Amen Thompson and Fred VanVleet. The Magic must attack heavily with Franz Wagner in order to exploit the Rockets injuries. Amen Thompson will not be there to defend the wing and the Magic can capitalize with their forward duo of Paolo Banchero and Wagner.

Additionally, the Magic frontcourt will have to work hard to stop Alperen Sengun. Sengun averages 19 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and two combined steals and blocks this season. As an all-around big with a deep bag, the Magic will need to put together a team effort to stop him.

The Magic are also going to need their bench to perform tonight. The Rockets boast a strong bench unit featuring Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. The Magic’s young bench duo of Anthony Black and Tristan da Silva will have a tall challenge as they try to outplay the Rockets’ bench big men. Anthony Black, however, has already proved many times this season that he has the ability to catch fire off the bench to lead the Magic to victory.

Finally, the Magic must let Banchero take over. Banchero possesses a truly unique scoring capability that’s most comparable to a young Carmelo Anthony. Only two games removed from a 41-point performance, Banchero will look to continue his mid-range magic.

With the injuries to Amen Thompson and Fred VanVleet, the Magic will be facing a Rockets team missing the identity that has led to such a successful season. The Magic’s health and mismatches will make it a very difficult night for the Rockets.

Looking Ahead

Tip off is set for 8 p.m. in Houston’s Toyota Center.

After Monday’s tilt, the Magic will travel to New Orleans on Thursday to face the Pelicans at 8 pm.