The Phoenix Suns (15-46) will attempt to bring a 17-game road losing streak to a halt when they take on the Orlando Magic (27-33) at the Amway Center. Action begins at 7:00 pm ET on Friday, Mar. 4 and can be seen on FxF and FAZ.
The Magic enter this game hoping for similar success after topping the Bulls 102-89 on Wednesday. Nikola Vucevic was the game’s leading scorer with 24 points on 10-for-24 shooting. The Suns, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their 108-92 loss against the Heat on Thursday. Devin Booker had a game-high 34 points.
Over the last five games, Aaron Gordon has taken his game to another level for the Magic, averaging 15.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 1.0 three-pointer.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Suns winning the first matchup 107-104. Alex Len put up a double-double in the victory with 20 points and 14 rebounds.
The Magic come into this game 27-33 Straight Up (SU) and 34-26 Against The Spread (ATS). Over their last 10 games, they have only managed a record of 3-7 ATS. Below average play has been the norm lately for the Orlando defense. The Magic have given up an average of 114.6 points to opponents in their last 10 games, well over their defense’s season average of 102.2 PPG. Orlando will look to take advantage of the Suns and their propensity to foul. Phoenix has committed the most fouls in the league, averaging 23.2 per game.
In the other locker room, the Suns have a record of 23-38 ATS and 15-46 SU. Despite having a winning record against the Eastern Conference, Phoenix is unsuccessful ATS in those games with a record of 7-22. Offensively, the Suns have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 100.4 points per game by averaging 109.8 during that stretch.
Phoenix beat Orlando in their most recent meeting this season, but the win was not enough to overtake Orlando in the most recent head-to-head series. Its record is now 4-6 SU over the last 10 meetings. Furthermore, the Magic hold the advantage ATS with a record of 7-3.
Predictions: SU Winner – Orl
Notes
“Orlando is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games “.
“Orlando is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games “.
“The total has gone OVER in 6 of Orlando’s last 8 games “.
“Orlando is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home”.
“The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando’s last 5 games at home”.
“Orlando is 11-3-1 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Phoenix”.
“Orlando is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix”.
“Orlando is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Phoenix”.
Orlando ranks 21st in points per game with 100.9, while Phoenix ranks 29th in points allowed with an average of 107.9 given up.
Phoenix ranks 25th in points allowed per road game (110.5 PPG), while Orlando ranks 19th in points per home game with 102.8.
When allowing fewer than 100 points, the Magic are 20-8 on the season. When the Suns score fewer than 100, they are an underachieving 1-28.
At 7-25, the Orlando Magic have a subpar record when their opponents score at least 100 points. The Phoenix Suns are 14-18 when they put up triple digits.
The Suns have a defensive rating of 108.6 (ranked 29th). The Magic rank 25th for their offensive rating of 102.3.
Orlando averages fewer possessions per game than Phoenix, with 98.7 compared to 100.4. However, the Magic score an average of 1.023 points per possession, more than the .999 that the Suns score.
The Orlando Magic average an effective field goal percentage of 49.5% this season. The Phoenix Suns have an underachieving record of 6-40 when opponents have an EFF% of 49.5% or greater.
On average, the Orlando Magic make 23.3 assists per game and the Phoenix Suns make 20.4. Orlando is ranked seventh, while Phoenix is ranked 25th.
The Orlando Magic rebound 44.1 times per game and are ranked 13th. Ranked 16th, the Phoenix Suns rebound 43.2 times per game.
Orlando is ranked 13th in defensive rebounds, while Phoenix ranks 10th in offensive rebounds.
Orlando has forced an average turnover percentage of 14.6% this season. Phoenix has a losing 10-29 record when its TOV% is 14.6% or higher.
