Pelicans vs. Magic Game Preview with The Magic Insider
The New Orleans Pelicans (30-31) are finally home for the first time in 17 days to host the Orlando Magic (25-36). Both teams are fighting for a spot in their conference playoff. New Orleans is 10th in the West standings, while the Magic are 13th in the East.
On Jan. 20, the teams met in Orlando, and the Magic won 123-110.
I sat down with Jeremy Brener, who covers the Magic on FanNation's The Magic Insider. Jeremy gives his insight on the Magic's pursuit of the Play-In Tournament and the matchup with the Pelicans on Monday night.
Pelicans Scoop: Paolo Banchero has been the Rookie of the Year favorite since the beginning of the year. How has he been able to transition to the NBA so well and dominate so soon?
Jeremy Brener: Paolo Banchero just has it. He's incredibly humble and is willing to learn and adapt, and I think that's been the biggest reason behind his success. He has the prototypical NBA build and talent that teams love, which is why he went No. 1 in the draft. Couple that with the right mindset and it's no surprise to see he's been this dominant so far. He's only going to get better with time and experience and as his young teammates improve, he will too.
Pelicans Scoop: Markelle Fultz was a guy who was written off after his 76ers days, but he has had a renaissance of sorts this season with Orlando. What have you seen from his play this season to show he can be a guy piece of this Magic team moving forward?
Jeremy Brener: Markelle Fultz is having the best statistical season of his career so far. But he also brings a lot defensively, which sets him apart from like-minded guards. He sets the tone for the Magic defensively, and Orlando has been better than average on that side of the ball since he entered the lineup in December.
He's also got the kind of leadership you look for in a franchise point guard. I don't think he'll reach All-Star levels given the talent of point guards across the NBA, but with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner alongside him, he doesn't have to be.
Jan 20, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) drives to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Pelicans Scoop: What do the Magic need to do down the stretch to have chance to make the Play-In?
Jeremy Brener: Limit mistakes. Losses like Saturday against the Indiana Pacers, another team eyeing the final play-in slots, cannot happen. It's definitely an uphill battle with several teams to catch and four games out, but to quote Al Davis, "Just win baby!"
Pelicans Scoop: What player/players have you been most impressed with this season?
Jeremy Brener: Franz Wagner taking that second-year leap and averaging 19 points per game is on pace for someone who can be an All-Star someday. Knowing he has the potential to be even better is something the Magic should be very excited about. His brother Moe is also someone that's been a pleasant surprise this season. He's carved out a clear role as the backup center and has staying power with the Magic if he continues to shoot from three at a high rate.
Pelicans Scoop: Give us one thing (matchup/lineup/stat etc..) we should be looking for in Monday night’s game versus the Pelicans?
Jeremy Brener: Markelle Fultz/Jalen Suggs vs. CJ McCollum. If the Magic guards can defend McCollum and contain him from going off, I like Orlando's chances to steal one on the road.
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- CJ McCollum Career At A Crossroads
- Pelicans Face a Close, Wild Finish in the NBA West
- Handicapping the Playoff Race
- NBA Championship Formula Revisited
- Willie Green's Rotations Need More Time To Build Rhythm
- Pelicans Have 25 Games to Save Season
- Struggle Is Real For Pelicans Post All-Star Break
