For the Orlando Magic, it’s about finding the right combinations to fill temporary gaps in their lineup, while the Charlotte Hornets are also adjusting to injuries that have altered their rotations.
When the teams meet on Tuesday night in Orlando for their NBA Cup group-play opener, the Magic will be aiming to improve to a perfect 5-0 at home. They’re coming off a dominant second half, which saw them crush the Washington Wizards 121-94 on Sunday by scoring 60 points after halftime.
Forward Franz Wagner scored 23 points, leading the Magic to a season-high point total. Wagner has been Orlando’s top scorer for the past five games.
With a season-best three-game winning streak on the horizon, the Magic are still adjusting to the absences of injured Paolo Banchero (oblique) and Wendell Carter Jr. (foot). The responsibility for making up their production has been spread across the team.
Meanwhile, the Hornets suffered a 107-105 overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday after rallying from 16 points down with 9:44 left in regulation.
Guard LaMelo Ball scored 38 points and dished out eight assists for Charlotte, which is 1-3 in road games. Ball hit a game-tying 3-pointer from the left corner while fading out of bounds to force overtime.
Ball has scored over 30 points in four of the last six games.
Anthony has averaged just 12.1 minutes per game to start the season, but he is still playing with determination, as evidenced by his 3-pointer in Sunday’s game. He is looking to bounce back from a rough start to the season, averaging 4.8 points per game and shooting 26.3 percent from 3-point range.
The Hornets have been hampered by injuries in their post positions, making their 50-40 rebounding edge against the 76ers a positive sign.
In the Hornets’ backcourt, Tre Mann has been dealing with back soreness, putting his availability in question. He has been a spark off the bench.
This will be Orlando’s third game in a five-game homestand.
