The Orlando Magic have been unstoppable at home, winning their first seven games this season. However, replicating that success on the road has been challenging.
After five consecutive home victories, the Magic will aim to carry their momentum into a three-game road trip starting with a matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Monday.
Phoenix experienced a heartbreaking loss on Sunday, when Julius Randle’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer gave the Minnesota Timberwolves a 120-117 victory.
Now, the Suns return home to face an Orlando team that has struggled on the road, with a 1-6 record away from home this season. The Magic’s road woes stretch back to last season when they lost all four of their road playoff games against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Orlando showed promise by sweeping their five-game homestand, culminating in a 98-86 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday. Franz Wagner led the charge with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, helping the Magic hold their fifth straight opponent under 100 points.
Franz’s brother, center Moe Wagner, added 14 points in the victory and credited the team’s defensive effort, as they held Philadelphia to just 14 points in the fourth quarter.
Franz Wagner has emerged as a reliable scoring threat for the Magic, who continue to play without injured star Paolo Banchero (oblique). Orlando will need another strong defensive performance against Phoenix and their star Devin Booker, who scored 44 points in Sunday’s loss to Minnesota. Booker holds the record for the most 40-point games in Suns history with 34.
Phoenix will be missing key players Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant again on Monday. Beal is out with a left calf strain for the fourth straight game, and Durant is sidelined with the same injury.
The injuries have provided more opportunities for veteran center Mason Plumlee, who contributed six points, eight rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 29 minutes on Sunday. Rookie forward Oso Ighodaro also made an impact, scoring a career-high 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting off the bench.
Guard Grayson Allen has been a consistent performer, scoring a total of 33 points over his last two games for the Suns, who have won their last five home meetings against the Magic.
