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Orlando's new small-ball attack has had more than its fair share of ups and downs over the first four games of its existence. With two great wins and two bad losses, the Magic have alternately looked as hopeless as ever, yet hopeful that this was how they were always meant to play. They face another tough test as they start their road trip in Washington versus the Wizards.
Orlando will be without Nikola Vucevic, who is out with a sore achilles. Bismack Biyombo will be starting in his place. All injuries are bad, but this is especially difficult without Serge Ibaka to absorb center minutes as he did when Vucevic was out earlier this season.
After a strong night containing the Miami Heat in the paint (where their South Florida counterparts have burned them all season), the Magic will need to replicate those results against John Wall and the Wizards. Washington isn't the same team that Orlando played 3 times earlier this season, surging to become one of the East's top teams after a lackluster start to the season.
If Orlando can claim a surprise win on the road, it will be their first consecutive victories since Christmas.
Game time is set for an early Sunday tipoff, 5:00PM Eastern time in the Verizon Center. You can catch the game on Fox Sports Florida and ESPN580 Orlando.
Share your in-game thoughts and comments in this game thread.
Projected Starters:
Orlando Magic | Washington Wizards |
Elfrid Payton | John Wall |
Terrence Ross | Bradley Beal |
Evan Fournier | Otto Porter Jr. |
Aaron Gordon | Markieff Morris |
Bismack Biyombo | Marcin Gortat |