NBA Game Preview: Orlando Magic (29-25) vs. Phoenix Suns (32-24)

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Game Details

  • Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM ET (4:00 PM CT / 2:00 PM PT).
  • Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
  • TV/Streaming: FanDuel Sports Network Florida, NBA TV, SiriusXM.

This non-conference matchup is the second and final meeting of the season, with the Magic winning the first 115-110 on December 8, 2025. Orlando comes off a dominant win to start the post-All-Star slate, while Phoenix enters amid a four-game skid and injury woes. The game could hinge on Phoenix’s depleted backcourt versus Orlando’s hot 3-point shooting, potentially leading to a high-scoring affair if the Suns’ defense falters.

Recent Team Forms

The Magic are 6-4 in their last 10 games, averaging 115.4 PPG while allowing 110.6 PPG for a +4.8 differential. The Suns are 3-7 over the same span, averaging 113.3 PPG and conceding 114.9 PPG for a -1.6 differential.

Orlando Magic Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScoreKey Notes
Feb 19, 2026@ Sacramento KingsW131-94Franchise-record 27 3-pointers; Banchero 30 PTS; held Kings to 94.
Feb 11, 2026vs. Milwaukee BucksL108-116Bane 28 PTS; poor 3PT% (32.5%); defensive lapses.
Feb 9, 2026vs. Milwaukee BucksW118-99Efficient shooting (48.1% FG); overcame 20 TO.
Feb 7, 2026vs. Utah JazzW120-117Close win; overcame 17 TO; strong rebounding.
Feb 5, 2026vs. Brooklyn NetsW118-98Balanced attack; held Nets to 98 PTS.

Orlando has won three straight, showcasing elite 3-point shooting (e.g., 27-of-45 vs. SAC) but road struggles (10-15 away).

Phoenix Suns Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScoreKey Notes
Feb 19, 2026vs. San Antonio SpursL94-121Booker exits early (hip); allowed 121 PTS; poor offense (40.4% FG).
Feb 11, 2026vs. Oklahoma City ThunderL109-136Defensive collapse; 145.4 defensive rating; injuries mounting.
Feb 7, 2026vs. Philadelphia 76ersL103-109Close loss; low 3PT% (23.9%); 14 TO.
Feb 5, 2026vs. Golden State WarriorsL97-101Erased lead; Spencer 20 PTS for GSW; Booker/Allen limited.
Feb 3, 2026@ Portland Trail BlazersW130-125Booker 26 PTS; overcame 11 TO; efficient FG% (51.5%).

Phoenix is on a four-game losing streak, plagued by injuries and poor defense (allowing 120+ in three losses).

Injury Report

Orlando Magic:

  • Franz Wagner: Out (Left High Ankle Sprain) – Sidelined indefinitely, at least until March 11; requires additional rehab.
  • Colin Castleton: Out (Thumb) – Remains out; return undetermined.

Phoenix Suns:

  • Devin Booker: GTD (Right Hip Soreness) – Exited Feb 19 game early; status uncertain.
  • Grayson Allen: Out (Right Ankle Sprain) – Ruled out; suffered at shootaround Feb 19.
  • Haywood Highsmith: Out (Left Knee) – Expected out until at least March 3.
  • Cole Anthony: Out (Undisclosed) – Game time decision or out; recently traded? (Potential data error, but listed out).

Key

Player Matchups to Watch

  • Paolo Banchero (Magic) vs. Kevin Durant (Suns): Banchero (recent 30 PTS) exploits mismatches with scoring (24+ PPG); Durant (if healthy) counters with efficiency, but Suns’ injuries limit support.
  • Desmond Bane (Magic) vs. Jalen Green (Suns, if plays): Bane’s 3-point threat (28 PTS vs. MIL) faces Green’s defense; key if Booker out.
  • Jalen Suggs (Magic) vs. Suns Backcourt (e.g., Monte Morris if starters out): Suggs’ defense could stifle depleted Suns; rebounding battle crucial.
  • Rookie/Young Watch: Jalen Johnson (Magic) vs. Suns Bigs: Johnson’s athleticism vs. Phoenix’s interior if Highsmith out.

Matchups tilt toward Orlando’s depth amid Phoenix injuries.

Series History

The Suns lead the all-time series 41-30 in 71 regular-season games.

In the last 10 head-to-heads, Orlando is 5-5. This season, the series is 0-1 (Magic win):

  • December 8, 2025: Magic 115-110 (at Orlando).

Games average 224 points recently, with overs hitting in recent matchups.

Betting Trends

  • Trends: Orlando is 34-20 ATS overall, 17-9 ATS on road. Phoenix is 34-22 ATS, but 2-4 ATS in last 6. The over has hit in 44.4% of Suns games (24/54); under in Orlando road games. Orlando 9-2 ATS in last 11 at Phoenix; Suns 1-4 ATS vs. Orlando recently.

Game Odds

Orlando Magic                  220

Phoenix Suns                     – 2

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 20, 2026