On Saturday, the Orlando Magic take on the Indiana Pacers, two up-and-coming teams that are competing for a spot in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.
Since going 5-20, Orlando has gone 20-15 and is 13th in the East, while Indiana is 26-35 overall, half a game ahead.
The Orlando Magic, who won their first game after the All-Star break on Thursday by a score of 108-106 over the Detroit Pistons, are led by Paolo Banchero, who is favored to be the rookie of the year.
This season, Orlando has struggled to win close games, but it was able to beat Detroit when Wendell Carter Jr. tipped in a missed layup by Banchero at the buzzer.
In the victory, Carter, who is in his sixth season, had 14 points and 14 rebounds and continues to impress. In eight games this month, the 6-foot-10 center is averaging 16.3 points and 8.8 rebounds.
In his rookie season, Banchero has started every game and is averaging a team-high 19.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
Mosley wants his team to concentrate on the task at hand, even though the young core of the team is eager to participate in the play-in tournament.
After losing two of their first three meetings, Orlando wants to level the season series with Indiana.
On Thursday, the Indiana Pacers were defeated by the Boston Celtics in overtime 142-138, but they came up short. Rick Carlisle, Indiana’s coach, was encouraged by his team’s effort despite its 17th loss in its last 20 games.
In the defeat, Myles Turner scored 40 points, tying his career high of eight 3-pointers. Jayson Tatum, a star player for Boston, was impressed by the Pacers’ comeback from a 10-point halftime deficit.
The Magic’s lack of size may have an impact on Indiana. Turner is the only Pacers starter who is taller than 6 feet, while Carter, Banchero, and 6 foot, 10 inch Franz Wagner make up Orlando’s formidable front line.
On January 25, Orlando defeated the Pacers 126-120, and Banchero led the way with 23 points. The Magic, who never trailed in the game, were led by Carter, who scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
