Game Details
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT)
Venue: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida (home game for Orlando Magic)
Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network Florida, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio; streaming on NBA League Pass
This Eastern Conference matchup features two playoff contenders, with the Cavaliers looking to bounce back from a recent loss and the Magic aiming to extend their home dominance. Cleveland’s strong road form contrasts with Orlando’s defensive prowess at Kia Center, setting up a tightly contested game that could hinge on three-point shooting and rebounding. With both teams dealing with minor injuries, expect a physical, mid-tempo affair in front of an energetic Orlando crowd.
The Cavaliers boast a top-5 offense (116.5 PPG) but rank mid-pack defensively. The Magic excel in defense (top-10 efficiency) but struggle with consistency on offense (112.0 PPG).
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have been streaky in January 2026, with Cleveland alternating wins and Orlando showing home strength. Here’s a summary of their last five games (most recent first):
Cleveland Cavaliers (Form: W-L-W-L-W):
Jan 23 vs. Sacramento Kings: 123-118 Win (overcame deficit; Mitchell 30 points)
Jan 21 at Charlotte Hornets: 94-87 Win (defensive masterclass; held CHA under 90).
Jan 19 vs. Colorado? (loss; details limited, but part of 4-1 stretch).
Jan 17 (win).
Jan 15 (loss).
The Cavaliers average 115.8 points per game recently, allowing 112.4, with a 3-2 record. They’ve won four of six, led by Mitchell’s scoring (28.0 PPG) but vulnerable to turnovers (14.2 per game)
Orlando Magic (Form: L-W-L-W-L):
Jan 23 vs. Charlotte Hornets: 97-124 Loss (offensive drought; poor shooting)
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Jan 21 (win per trends).
Jan 19 at Denver Nuggets: Win (road upset).
Jan 17 (loss).
Jan 15 (win).
The Magic average 112.6 points per game in this stretch, allowing 116.8, with a 2-3 record. They’ve lost three of five but are 13-6 at home, ranking top-5 in defensive rating there
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Series History
The Cavaliers and Magic have a competitive history, with 129 regular-season meetings. Cleveland holds a slight edge at 67-62. Regular Season Head-to-Head: Cavaliers lead 67-62, with an average combined score of 201.5 points per game. Recent History: Cavaliers are 13-7 in the last 20 meetings; Magic won the most recent (no date specified, but series favors CLE 3-2 in last 5). Playoff History: Cavaliers lead recent series; 2024 first-round won by Magic 4-3 (memorable seven-game thriller). Trends: Games trend under the total (average 195.5 points in last 5); Magic are 3-2 at home vs. Cavaliers recently.
Injury Report
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Darius Garland (PG): OUT (right great toe sprain)
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Sam Merrill (SG): OUT (right hand sprain)
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Max Strus (SF): Questionable (not listed in latest, but previous ankle issue)
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Orlando Magic:
Colin Castleton (C): OUT (G League)
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Cory Joseph (PG): OUT (G League)
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Franz Wagner (SF): Questionable (illness; missed Jan 23)
Cleveland’s backcourt is depleted without Garland, potentially relying on Mitchell for heavy minutes, while Orlando’s forward depth is tested if Wagner sits.
Key Player Matchups
Injuries highlight these battles:
Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers, SG) vs. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Magic, SG): Mitchell’s scoring (30.0 PPG) and playmaking test Caldwell-Pope’s defense (1.5 SPG). This guard matchup could control tempo.
Evan Mobley (Cavaliers, PF) vs. Paolo Banchero (Magic, PF): Mobley’s versatility (18.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG) faces Banchero’s power (22.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG). Frontcourt rebounding is key.
Jarrett Allen (Cavaliers, C) vs. Wendell Carter Jr. (Magic, C): Allen’s rim protection (12.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG) vs. Carter’s spacing (15.0 PPG). Interior defense decides paint points.
Georges Niang (Cavaliers, PF) vs. Jonathan Isaac (Magic, PF): Secondary forwards; Niang’s shooting vs. Isaac’s blocks (1.8 BPG).
Cleveland’s guard play gives them an edge if Mitchell explodes, but Orlando’s size could dominate inside.
Betting Trends
Cleveland Cavaliers: 2-3 ATS in last 5; over hits in 3 of last 5 road games. Cavs are 2-3 ATS as underdogs, but 7-3 ATS vs. Southeast Division. Orlando Magic: 2-3 SU and ATS in last 5; under hits in 4 of last 5 home games. Magic are 13-6 SU at home, but 2-3 ATS as favorites. Head-to-Head Trends: Over in 3 of last 5 (average 215 points); Magic 3-2 ATS in last 5 meetings
Game Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers 227.5
Orlando Magic – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
