Magic vs. Pelicans: 3 Big Things to Watch
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic has an opportunity to kick off its three-game road trip with a much-needed win.
But standing in its way is a New Orleans Pelicans team also looking to jump up the standings.
Here are three things to watch in this interconference battle...
Pelicans Recent Struggles
On the surface, the Pelicans 30-31 record up to this point of the season is certainly respectable.
But the team has been on a downward spiral since forward Zion Williamson was sidelined with a hamstring injury.
After starting the season 26-17, including holding a tie for first place in the West on December 30th, New Orleans has since dropped 14 of their last 18 games since January 16th.
Now in a crowded Western Conference playoff chase, the Pelicans now face a Magic team that has been one of the hottest in the NBA over that span.
Another Western Conference Victory?
One of the keys to Orlando's ability to stay in the East's playoff hunt is its ability to perform against Western Conference foes.
Posting a 12-10 record against West teams on the season, the Magic has consistently performed against the conferences best teams - sweeping both games against the Golden State Warriors.
Dating back to January 20th, the team has won three straight against interconference opponents, including the Pelicans in the team's last matchup.
Paolo's Long Ball
Paolo Banchero, the NBA's Rookie of Year favorite, struggles from three-point range continue to linger following the All-Star break.
Over the month of February, Banchero, who is shooting 27.7 percent from beyond the arc on the season, has connected on just one of 30 attempts (0.33 percent).
The cold spell has dropped the No. 1 pick's numbers down to 15.4 points the past 10 games, down from his season average of 19.7 per game.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.
You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.
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