Magic Look to Get Back on Track as Raptors Struggle for Answers

The Orlando Magic are in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, but injuries and inconsistency have them trending in the wrong direction. They have lost three of their last four games, including a 121-115 home defeat to the Warriors on Thursday, and now face the struggling Toronto Raptors in a crucial matchup.

Toronto arrives in Orlando reeling, having lost three straight and nine of their last eleven games. Both teams are desperate for a win—Orlando to stay in the top eight, and Toronto to salvage pride in what’s shaping up to be a disappointing season.

With two consecutive games against each other in Orlando, these teams have a chance to make a statement. The question is, which one will seize the moment?

Orlando’s Injury Woes and Lack of a Third Scorer

Orlando has battled injuries all season, and the latest blow came with Jalen Suggs (16.2 PPG) sidelined indefinitely with a left knee injury. This leaves the Magic searching for a reliable third scoring option behind Franz Wagner (25 PPG) and Paolo Banchero (23.7 PPG).

The issue was glaring in their loss to Golden State, where Banchero exploded for 41 points and Wagner added 27, yet no other player managed more than 11 points.

Head coach Jamahl Mosley acknowledged his team’s fight after bouncing back from a 40-point blowout loss to Cleveland earlier in the week.

“If we can respond the way we did, play that hard consistently and show energy and have that spirit, we are going to put ourselves in a very good position,” Mosley said. “We always respond. That’s going to put us in a better position if we can continue to play that hard and understand what we can learn from this game.”

Effort isn’t the issue—the lack of depth in scoring is. Moritz Wagner (12.9 PPG) remains out with a torn ACL, and without Suggs, the Magic need someone to step up.

Could Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, or Gary Harris provide that third option? Orlando has talent, but finding consistent contributions beyond their two stars will be key against the Raptors.

Raptors’ Young Core Struggling to Close Out Games

Toronto has had a rough stretch, but Friday’s loss in Chicago was particularly painful. The Raptors led by 16 points early in the fourth quarter, only to collapse late. They still held a four-point lead with four seconds left, but a costly foul on a made three-pointer sent the game to overtime, where they were outscored 15-5.

Head coach Darko Rajakovic did not hide his frustration after the loss.

“That was a tough loss tonight for us, and we’ve got to bounce back,” Rajakovic said. “But when you look at the box score and see (Chicago) scored 28 points in transition, that’s the whole game right there.”

For a team likely missing the playoffs for a third straight season, the biggest bright spot has been the development of their young core.

RJ Barrett (21.7 PPG) has been a reliable scorer since coming over from New York.
Scottie Barnes (20.0 PPG) continues to show his versatility and two-way impact.
Immanuel Quickley (16.2 PPG) has added much-needed playmaking and shot creation.
Gradey Dick (14.6 PPG) is emerging as a solid contributor.

However, Ochai Agbaji (10 PPG) left Friday’s game with a left foot injury and has already been ruled out for Sunday. Without his energy and defense, Toronto’s depth will be tested even further.

The Raptors’ biggest challenge has been closing out games. They have had leads late in multiple recent losses, only to falter in crunch time. If they can fix their late-game execution, they have the talent to compete.

Head-to-Head Matchup and Key Storylines

The Magic and Raptors split their two earlier meetings in Toronto this season.

January 3 – Magic won 106-97
January 21 – Raptors won 109-93

Now, with two straight games in Orlando, both teams have a chance to take control of the season series.

Key storylines to watch:

Who Will Step Up as Orlando’s Third Scorer?

With Suggs out, the Magic need more than just Wagner and Banchero to carry the offense.

Can Toronto Close a Game?

The Raptors have struggled in late-game situations. Can they execute better if it’s close in the fourth quarter?

Battle of the Young Stars

Banchero vs. Barnes. Barrett vs. Wagner. Quickley vs. Anthony. The future of both franchises will be on full display.

What’s at Stake?

This game matters for both teams, but for very different reasons.

For Orlando, staying in the top eight of the East is crucial. Falling into the ninth or tenth seed means needing two play-in wins just to make the playoffs. A win over Toronto helps them maintain their position.

For Toronto, the playoffs may be out of reach, but this is about developing their young core and learning how to win close games. Every game is a step in their long-term growth.

The Magic have more to lose, but the Raptors have just as much to prove. Sunday’s game will determine if Orlando can hold its ground in the playoff race or if Toronto can play spoiler.

Orlando Magic vs Toronto-raptors Picks and Predictions March 2nd 2025