The Orlando Magic (32-38) and Washington Wizards (15-53) are set to face off in a Southeast Division clash at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET.
Team Overview
Orlando Magic
- Current Form: The Magic are clinging to the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference, aiming to secure a play-in tournament berth. However, they’ve struggled recently, losing eight of their last 11 games.
- Strengths: Orlando’s frontcourt, led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, has been the backbone of their success. Banchero is in stellar form, averaging 31.0 points over his last six games, while Wagner contributes 24.2 points per game.
- Weaknesses: The Magic are the NBA’s least accurate three-point shooting team, hitting just 31.0% from beyond the arc. Their offensive struggles have been evident, averaging only 104.6 points per game, the lowest in the league.
- Injuries: Key players like Moritz Wagner and Jalen Suggs are out for the season, which has further strained their depth.
Washington Wizards
- Current Form: The Wizards are enduring a tough season, sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. They’ve lost four of their last six games and are coming off a 128-112 defeat to the Utah Jazz.
- Strengths: Rookie Alex Sarr has been a bright spot, scoring 19+ points in his last four games and emerging as a late contender for Rookie of the Year. His development is a key focus for the team.
- Weaknesses: Washington struggles with turnovers and defensive lapses, conceding 3.5 points per game off turnovers in their last two losses. Their offense lacks consistency, with limited contributions outside of Sarr and Jordan Poole.
- Injuries: The Wizards are missing several key players, including Marcus Smart, Corey Kispert, and Malcolm Brogdon, which has left their roster thin.
Key Matchups
- Paolo Banchero vs. Alex Sarr Banchero’s scoring prowess will be tested against Sarr’s emerging defensive skills. This battle could dictate the flow of the game.
- Franz Wagner vs. Jordan Poole Wagner’s versatility and ability to attack the rim will challenge Poole, who has struggled with efficiency in recent games.
- Rebounding Battle Orlando dominated the boards in their previous meetings, out-rebounding Washington 29-11 in offensive rebounds. The Wizards must improve in this area to stay competitive.
Previous Meetings
- November 10, 2024: Orlando won 121-94, showcasing their dominance in the paint.
- February 23, 2025: Orlando secured a 110-90 victory, capitalizing on Washington’s turnovers and defensive lapses.
What to Watch For
- Orlando’s Inside Game: With a strong frontcourt, the Magic will likely focus on scoring in the paint, where they’ve excelled against Washington this season.
- Washington’s Turnovers: The Wizards must limit turnovers to avoid giving Orlando easy scoring opportunities.
- Three-Point Shooting: Both teams struggle from beyond the arc, so any improvement in this area could be a game-changer.
