Orlando Magic Drops First Preseason Game vs. New Orleans Pelicans
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is no longer undefeated in the preseason after a 104-92 loss against the New Orleans Pelicans at Amway Center on Tuesday night.
Each of Orlando's starters -- Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. -- each played just under 20 minutes of action. Among the starting lineup, Franz had the best night, scoring a game-high 19 points.
The second unit also got between 16-18 minutes of run, and Moe Wagner led the way with 16 points off the bench. Gary Harris joined him in double figures with 10 points of his own.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) dribbles as New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center.
Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
As for the Pelicans, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson provided a strong test for Orlando's frontcourt, scoring a combined 34 points for New Orleans. While Orlando had some difficulty defending the two former Duke Blue Devils, the Magic held its own, leading by two points at halftime.
Once the second half got underway, the intensity in the game simmered down slightly. Backups checked in and the quality of the game diminished slightly. The Magic trailed by a point going into the fourth quarter but was unable to grab a lead. Orlando trailed 91-90 with 3:48 to go, but the Pelicans pulled away with a 9-0 run that knocked the Magic out of it.
Goga Bitadze was the standout in the fourth quarter, scoring nine points in the final frame.
The Magic closes out the preseason on Friday night when it hosts Brazilian basketball club Flamenco. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. from the Amway Center.
