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The Orlando Magic take on the Sacramento Kings at home tonight with little to play for but lottery odds, but those odds could be franchise-defining.
For the Kings, the organization has fully embraced the tank – selectively shutting down starters and focusing on the youth. That has led them to an NBA-worst 13-33 record.
Meanwhile, in Orlando, the team is still fighting for playoff position despite being tied for the worst record in the Eastern Conference at 14-32.
This is anyone’s game, as both teams are still struggling to find their identities, often riding the hot hand on any given night. Last night, the Kings’ pair of young bigs from Kentucky, Willie Cauley-Stein and Skal Labissiere, were huge in their loss to Charlotte, combining for 34 points and 14 rebounds.
The Kings are riding an eight-game losing streak heading into Tuesday’s matchup, while the Magic are 2-1 since snapping a seven-game losing streak of their own.
The Magic defense has tightened up after their boat race of a loss to Washington, allowing 95, 104, and 102 points in their last three games against the Celtics, Cavaliers, and Timberwolves, all of which are on pace to have home court advantage in the playoffs.