Magic vs. Grizzlies GameThread

The Orlando Magic are back in action Wednesday night as their preseason schedules rolls along. The Magic have returned home and are set to host the Memphis Grizzlies after a quick trip south to Miami.

Orlando dropped a close contest to the Heat Monday night (90-89), a game that served as a tale of two halves. After falling behind by double-digits early, the Magic were able to crawl all the way back into the game (outscored the Heat 47-38 in the second half). The Magic even had the ball on the last possession with a chance to win the game, but then turned the ball over as time expired.

Nikola Vucevic, who has made a bit of a habit of playing well against the Heat in his Magic career, led the team with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Jerian Grant also played well off Orlando’s bench Monday night, scoring 17 points in 23 minutes (5-8 FG, 2-3 3PT).

The Magic will be playing Wednesday night without Mohamed Bamba, Jonathon Simmons, and Terrence Ross.

The team announced prior to Steve Clifford’s pre-game conference that Bamba is suffering from a right wrist contusion. He had an MRI done on the wrist that came back negative. Bamba took a hard fall to the ground in Monday’s game after being fouled by Bam Adebayo in the third quarter.

Simmons is missing tonight’s game to attend to a personal matter. And it was announced earlier in the day that Ross would sit out against the Grizzlies (right foot contusion).

However, the Magic will be welcoming Jonathan Isaac back to the lineup. Isaac has missed Orlando’s last two preseason games due to a mild ankle sprain. However, he’s been practicing with the team, and the Magic feel confident enough to let Isaac test the ankle Wednesday night.

The Grizzlies last played Saturday night at home, defeating the Indiana Pacers 109-104 (2-1 in the preseason). The Grizzlies were led by Wayne Selden in the contest, who scored 16 points and dished out 9 assists.

Memphis also got stellar play from rookie big man Jaren Jackson Jr., who chipped in 18 points off the bench. Jackson was picked 4th in the ‘18 NBA Draft, two spots ahead of Bamba.

Veterans Mike Conley and Marc Gasol missed Memphis’ last game, but both are expected to suit up against the Magic.

As always, leave your pre-game and in-game comments below. Feel free to follow us on Twitter at @OPPMagicBlog. Enjoy!