Orlando Magic vs La Clippers Picks and Predictions March 31st 2025

Clippers Look to Stay in Playoff Race Against Magic

The Los Angeles Clippers will try to bounce back from a tough loss as they visit the Orlando Magic on Monday night, the final game of their four-game road swing. The Clippers (42-32) have been dealing with some challenges, including the absence of star Kawhi Leonard due to a right knee injury management issue, as they dropped a 127-122 decision to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. Despite the loss, the Clippers made a late push, cutting the Cavaliers’ lead to just a possession on multiple occasions in the final three quarters.

Norman Powell Steps Up Without Leonard

Norman Powell stepped up in Leonard’s absence, delivering an impressive 34-point performance. Powell’s performance marked his best showing since returning from a nearly month-long injury absence that sidelined him for 12 games. While he had been on a minutes restriction, he was gradually given more playing time, and he played nearly 40 minutes in the loss to Cleveland.

James Harden also contributed significantly, adding 24 points to the effort. Powell’s recent return to form is a positive sign for the Clippers, who have been fighting to maintain a solid position in the Western Conference.

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Clippers Struggling to Stay Above Water in the West

Despite their best efforts, the Clippers fell into eighth place in the Western Conference after the loss to Cleveland, now tied with Minnesota in overall record. They trail the Golden State Warriors by a game, while the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies hold a two- and three-game lead, respectively. With only a handful of games left in the regular season, the Clippers are fighting for a strong playoff spot, and every game counts.

Orlando’s Surge into the Playoff Picture

The Magic (36-39) are also looking to solidify their playoff position. After a dominant 121-91 win over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, Orlando moved into eighth place in the Eastern Conference, just half a game behind Atlanta. The Magic are currently in a tight race for favorable positioning in the play-in round, with two crucial head-to-head matchups remaining against Atlanta.

Orlando has been playing much better lately, winning four of their last five games. Despite being one of the league’s lowest-scoring teams, averaging just 105.1 points per game, the Magic have been able to put up 111 points or more in each of their recent victories.

Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner Lead the Way for Orlando

Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have been leading the Magic’s offense this season, averaging 25.9 and 24.2 points per game, respectively. However, both players have missed significant time due to injuries, including oblique strains. Despite the injuries, Orlando has managed to stay in the playoff picture, and their recent success has boosted their confidence.

Banchero reflected on the team’s progress, stating, “That’s what you work for all season. We’ve dealt with a lot of injuries and stuff throughout the year, so just the fact that we’re able to be in the postseason, I don’t think anyone is taking it for granted.”

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Cole Anthony’s Injury and Orlando’s Adjustments

The Magic have also been missing guard Cole Anthony in recent weeks due to a toe injury. Anthony is listed as questionable for Monday’s game, and his absence has forced the Magic backcourt to adjust. Jalen Suggs has also been shut down for the rest of the season due to a quadriceps injury, leaving Orlando with a thinner rotation.

One of the bright spots for the Magic has been rookie Anthony Black, who had a four-game stretch of double-digit scoring performances before scoring just eight points against Sacramento. However, he had a 64-point stretch during the previous four games, showing his potential as a key contributor for Orlando.

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What’s at Stake for Both Teams

For the Clippers, staying in the playoff race and avoiding the play-in tournament is crucial. With Leonard’s injury and the tight competition in the West, every game matters as they aim to secure a better position for the postseason.

For Orlando, securing a strong spot in the play-in tournament and possibly avoiding the lower seeds is their top priority. With key players like Banchero and Wagner, Orlando has the potential to continue their strong play and make some noise in the playoffs.

Monday night’s game will be a crucial one for both teams, as the Clippers look to recover from their loss and the Magic aim to keep their playoff hopes alive.