The Phoenix Suns are set to face the Orlando Magic at the Mortgage Matchup Center on Saturday at 5 pm ET, with both teams entering the contest under different circumstances. The Suns, sporting a 32-24 record, are currently experiencing a challenging stretch. They have lost four of their last five games, including a significant 27-point defeat to the San Antonio Spurs in their most recent outing. A considerable factor in this downturn has been the absence of key players such as Devin Booker, who is sidelined due to a hip injury, Dillon Brooks, currently serving a suspension, and Grayson Allen, who is recovering from an ankle injury. Despite these setbacks, Jalen Green’s encouraging performance—where he scored 26 points in the blowout loss—offers some hope for the Suns as they look to rebound. Notably, they still hold the seventh spot in the tightly contested Western Conference.
On the flip side, the Orlando Magic, with a record of 29-25, have gained momentum after a rocky start to the season. They have won four of their last five games, with three of those victories coming by margins of at least 19 points, showcasing their improved form. However, the team has faced a setback with the injury to Franz Wagner. Nonetheless, Anthony Black has stepped up impressively, averaging 16.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals, solidifying his role alongside Jalen Suggs, who is contributing an average of 14.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. This dynamic backcourt is becoming one of the most formidable in the league, bolstered by Paolo Banchero’s emergence as a standout player.
Banchero, the top pick from the 2022 NBA Draft, has risen to the occasion in Wagner’s absence, averaging 21.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over the last 28 games. His ability to not only score but also facilitate and rebound has been pivotal for Orlando, making him a vital asset in their push for a strong second half of the season. Additionally, Desmond Bane contributes significantly with 19.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in his inaugural season with the Magic. This collective effort gives Orlando a promising outlook as they aim to continue their positive trend following the All-Star break.
With the stakes high for both teams, Saturday’s matchup promises to be a crucial battle as the Suns seek to halt their slide and the Magic aim to maintain their winning momentum.