Venue Location
The game will be played at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. This is the Los Angeles Lakers’ home venue, with a capacity of approximately 18,997. The arena is known for its high-energy atmosphere and celebrity sightings, providing a significant home-court advantage for the Lakers.
Tipoff is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET (7:30 PM PT / 3:30 AM UTC on February 25). Broadcast details include Spectrum SportsNet and FanDuel Sports Network Florida, with streaming available on NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
- Orlando Magic: Jalen Suggs (G) is questionable with back spasms. Franz Wagner (F) is out with a left ankle high sprain (injury management, sidelined indefinitely). No other major injuries reported, but the team will miss Wagner’s scoring and versatility.
- Los Angeles Lakers: Bronny James (G) is out on G League assignment. Adou Thiero (G) is out on G League two-way. No major injuries to rotation players reported, allowing the Lakers to field a near-full lineup.
Key
Player Matchups
With Wagner out for Orlando and the Lakers at near full strength, expect Los Angeles to exploit mismatches in the frontcourt while the Magic rely on guard play to stay competitive. Key battles include:
- Paolo Banchero (ORL Forward) vs. Anthony Davis (LAL Forward/Center): Banchero, Orlando’s leading scorer (22.8 PPG), brings physicality and playmaking (recent 16 points, 8 assists vs. Clippers). His inside-out game tests Davis’ elite defense (2.5 BPG) and scoring (recent 26 points vs. Celtics), who could dominate the paint.
- Desmond Bane (ORL Guard) vs. LeBron James (LAL Forward): Bane (recent 36 points vs. Clippers) provides shooting and creation, facing James’ all-around dominance (24.5 PPG, 8.2 APG). James’ experience might limit Bane’s efficiency.
- Wendell Carter Jr. (ORL Center) vs. Rui Hachimura (LAL Forward): Carter’s rebounding (9.2 RPG) challenges Hachimura’s versatility. This interior matchup could control second-chance points.
- Jalen Suggs (ORL Guard, questionable) vs. Austin Reaves (LAL Guard): If Suggs plays, his defense (1.8 SPG) tests Reaves’ playmaking. Suggs’ absence would shift pressure to backups.
Recent Team Forms
- Orlando Magic: WLWLW (Last 5: Win 111-109 at Clippers on Feb 22; Loss 110-113 at Suns on Feb 21; Win 131-94 at Kings on Feb 19; Loss 108-116 vs. Bucks on Feb 11; Win 120-117 vs. Jazz on Feb 7). The Magic average 116.0 PPG while allowing 112.0 over the last five, showing strong offense but road inconsistencies.
- Los Angeles Lakers: LWLWL (Last 5: Loss 89-111 vs. Celtics on Feb 22; Win 125-122 vs. Clippers on Feb 20; Win 124-104 vs. Mavericks on Feb 12; Loss 108-136 vs. Spurs on Feb 10; Loss 110-119 vs. Thunder on Feb 9). The Lakers average 115.2 PPG but allow 118.6, highlighting defensive issues amid a 2-3 stretch.
Series History
The Lakers lead the all-time regular-season series 46-26 in 72 games. In recent matchups, the Magic have split, but Los Angeles won the last meeting 118-106 on March 24, 2025. The Lakers are 11-9 in the last 20 games, with the over hitting in 3 of the last 5.
Betting Trends
Lakers are 5-5 ATS in their last 10 but 15-13 ATS at home. Over has hit in 4 of their last 6 vs. Eastern teams. Magic are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 but 12-15 ATS on the road. Under is 3-2 in their last 5 as underdogs. Head-to-head: Lakers are 11-9 in last 20; over has gone 3-2 in last 5.
Game Odds
Orlando Magic 230.5
Los Angeles Lakers – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 23, 2026
