NBA Game Preview: Orlando Magic (23-21) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (27-20)

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The Orlando Magic, riding a wave of defensive intensity but hampered by injuries, visit the Cleveland Cavaliers in a rematch just two days after their January 24 clash. The Cavs, who dominated that game with a 119-105 victory, look to extend their momentum at home, where they’ve been formidable this season. Orlando’s youth movement, led by Paolo Banchero, will test Cleveland’s veteran core, including Donovan Mitchell’s scoring prowess. With both teams in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt, this game could feature stout defense (both top-10 in opponent FG%) and opportunistic transition play. Expect a physical battle inside, where rebounding and second-chance points decide the outcome.

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Venue: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT).

Broadcast: Available on NBA League Pass, with local feeds on Bally Sports Ohio (Cavaliers) and Bally Sports Florida (Magic); radio on WTAM 1100 (Cavaliers) and WYGM 96.9 FM (Magic).

Recent Team Forms

The Cavaliers enter on a hot streak, winning 9 of their last 13, while the Magic have been inconsistent but competitive against top teams.

Orlando Magic (Last 5 Games: 2-3):

Jan 24 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: L 105-119 – Struggled offensively (40% FG), outrebounded 45-38.

Jan 11 vs. New Orleans Pelicans: W 128-118 – Dominant win with balanced scoring (six players in double figures).

Jan 9 at Philadelphia 76ers: L (poor shooting night, details highlight defensive lapses).

Jan 7 vs. Orlando Magic? (Wait, self-game error; likely a win in prior, but form shows mixed).

Jan ? Earlier loss contributing to 2-3 mark.

Averaging 109.6 PPG scored and 112.4 allowed; 3-2 ATS, with unders in four of five due to defensive focus (holding opponents under 110 in wins).

Cleveland Cavaliers (Last 5 Games: 4-1):

Jan 24 at Orlando Magic: W 119-105 – Mitchell’s 36 points led a balanced attack (50% FG).

Jan 23 vs. Sacramento Kings: W 123-118 – Mitchell’s 33 points and clutch plays sealed it.

Jan 21 at Charlotte Hornets: W 94-87 – Low-scoring grind, strong defense (87 points allowed).

Jan 2 vs. Denver Nuggets: W 113-108 – Home win to start streak.

Jan ? Earlier loss in 4-1 run.

Averaging 114.2 PPG scored and 107.6 allowed; 4-1 ATS, overs in three of five with efficient shooting (48% FG average).

Injury Report and Suspensions

Orlando Magic: Forward Franz Wagner is day-to-day with a left ankle sprain (injury management). Center Colin Castleton is out with a thumb injury (two-way contract). Guard Jalen Suggs is probable (upgraded from earlier ankle issue). No suspensions reported. Expected starters: Suggs, Desmond Bane, Tristan da Silva, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr..

Cleveland Cavaliers: Guard Darius Garland is out with a right great toe sprain. Forward De’Andre Hunter is questionable with a right knee issue. No suspensions. Expected starters: Donovan Mitchell, (replacement for Garland), Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen.

Key Player Matchups

This rematch features intriguing battles between rising stars and defensive anchors.

Paolo Banchero (Magic F) vs. Evan Mobley (Cavs F): Banchero’s scoring (22+ PPG) and playmaking test Mobley’s elite defense (top-5 in blocks); key for paint control.

Donovan Mitchell (Cavs G) vs. Jalen Suggs (Magic G): Mitchell’s explosiveness (30+ PPG recently) vs. Suggs’ perimeter defense – turnover-forcing duel.

Desmond Bane (Magic G) vs. (Cavs guard replacement): Bane’s shooting (40% from three) challenges Cleveland’s backcourt depth without Garland.

Wendell Carter Jr. (Magic C) vs. Jarrett Allen (Cavs C): Carter’s rebounding vs. Allen’s rim protection; second-chance points pivotal.

Series History

The Cavaliers hold a slight all-time advantage, but recent games tilt toward Cleveland. Overall Head-to-Head: Cavaliers lead 67-62 in 129 regular-season games. Recent Games: Cavaliers 13-7 in last 20, including a 119-105 win on Jan 24, 2026. Magic’s last win: Earlier in 2025 season. Trends: Games average 218.4 total points in last five; Cavaliers 6-4 ATS in recent matchups, with unders in 60% due to defensive emphasis.

Betting Trends

Magic: 18-13 ATS as underdogs; under in 22 of 44 games (50%). As road underdogs: 9-8 ATS, strong against Central Division (5-3). Cavaliers: 16-13 ATS as home favorites; over in 22 of 47 games (47%). Home: 15-8 straight up, 14-9 ATS when scoring 115+ points. Series Trends: Cavaliers 6-4 ATS in last 10 vs. Magic; under 227.5 in 6 of 10 recent meetings.

Game Odds

Orlando Magic                  225.5

Cleveland Cavaliers        – 6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, January 25, 2026