Magic vs. Spurs GAMEDAY Preview: How to Watch, Injury Report, Betting Odds
The San Antonio Spurs face a team in a similar spot in the Orlando Magic. Although the Magic have a dynamic rookie in Paolo Banchero, Orlando is far from competing in the playoffs. Speaking of competing, the Spurs have a competitive nature but lack overall talent.
Beating the championship contender Denver Nuggets on Mar. 10 proved that the Spurs aren't merely an easy win on the calendar. However, injuries and inexperience cloud the grit they possess. Their odds of winning slightly improve as they match up against another neophyte group. Again though, injuries have haunted the Spurs this season.
Despite both teams landing in a lottery position, the Magic are still technically play-in tournament eligible. Just four losses separate them from the 10-seed Chicago Bulls. While Orlando doesn't significantly benefit in the short-term from making the play-in, its market and fanbase need something to cheer for, as the Magic haven't made the playoffs since 2020.
Orlando is trending up in the last five games, indicative of its positive net rating (0.8) during the stretch. Conversely, the Spurs rank dead-last in net rating with a -6.8 mark during that stretch.
Expect the Magic to come out swinging, as Banchero is a formidable rookie opponent for the young Spurs. As previously mentioned, the Spurs' injury woes keep them from competing on a nightly basis. The league's official report has a lot of names listed.
Regardless of San Antonio's competitive nature, lacking a significant number of bodies doesn't earn the lottery-destined franchise any merit of honor.
Spurs vs. Magic Injury Report
San Antonio Spurs
- Khem Birch (OUT - knee)
- Malaki Branham (OUT - shoulder)
- Tre Jones (OUT - non-COVID illness)
- Romero Langford (OUT - adductor)
- Jeremy Sochan (Questionable - knee)
- Keldon Johnson (Questionable - foot)
Orlando Magic
- Jonathan Isaac (OUT - adductor)
- Franz Wagner (Questionable - ankle)
RECORDS: San Antonio Spurs (17-50), Orlando Magic (28-40)
WHEN: Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. CT.
WHERE: AT&T Center (San Antonio, TX)
TV: Bally Sports Southwest, League Pass
RADIO: Spurs Radio WOAI 1200
ODDS: The Magic are 5.5-point favorites over the Spurs
NEXT UP: The Spurs play the Dallas Mavericks at the AT&T Center on Wednesday evening. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
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