Magic Look to Regroup After Tough Loss

With just 24 games left in the season, every matchup matters for the Orlando Magic, who are fighting to solidify their playoff position. The team, currently holding the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference, continues its postseason push on Sunday against the Washington Wizards, the team with the league’s worst record at 9-46.

Orlando is looking to rebound after a disappointing 105-104 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. The Magic led by as many as 19 points before Memphis staged a late comeback to steal the victory.

Franz Wagner led the way with 25 points, while Paolo Banchero added 21 and Cole Anthony chipped in 17. The team held a nine-point lead with under five minutes left but couldn’t close it out.

“We’ve got to tighten up,” Anthony said. “We can’t be giving away games like that when we’re primed and prepped to win. We just start laying an egg and having these mental lapses. We’re better than what we showed.”

Wendell Carter Jr. posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, but Orlando has now lost 14 of its last 20 games. Despite the recent struggles, Wagner remains optimistic.

“We’re not going to be perfect, but for the most part, we played a pretty good game,” Wagner said. “If we keep our focus and keep worrying about the right stuff, our luck is going to turn our way too.”

Wizards Continue to Focus on Development

Luck has been elusive for Washington, which has lost five straight and 21 of its last 24 games. However, the Wizards showed some fight in a 104-101 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.

Rookie Alex Sarr had a breakout performance, scoring a career-high 22 points to lead the Wizards. The game also marked the return of Kyle Kuzma to Washington after being traded to Milwaukee at the deadline. Kuzma, who scored 19 points in the win, spoke highly of the Wizards’ rebuilding approach.

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“This organization has a bright future,” Kuzma said. “They have a plan they’re trying to accomplish with the rebuild, growing and developing these players, and they’re doing a great job.”

Washington has lost seven straight meetings against Orlando, including a 121-94 defeat on the road back on Nov. 10.

The Wizards have focused on acquiring young talent, including second-year guard AJ Johnson, who was part of the trade with Milwaukee. Johnson has seen limited playing time so far, but Bucks coach Doc Rivers believes he has significant potential.

“I love him,” Rivers said. “We took a minute because we were trying to hold onto him. I think he’s going to be an incredible player. He works hard, and he’s not far away. You’ll see him playing, and playing well, for sure.”

Magic Must Take Advantage of Favorable Matchup

With Washington struggling and focusing on development, Orlando has a prime opportunity to regain momentum. Can the Magic take care of business at home, or will the Wizards find a way to snap their losing streak?