Game Thread: Magic vs. Flamengo Brazil

Basketball officially returns to Orlando tonight.

In their preseason home opener at Amway Center, the Magic will take on Flamengo Brazil, which includes recently-signed former NBA veterans Leandro Barbosa and Anderson Varejao.

The Magic will be without Jonathan Isaac, who suffered a mild ankle sprain in Monday’s preseason opener against the Sixers. Isaac seemed to practice with the team without limitations, but given that he missed all but 27 games due to lingering ankle issues last season, the Magic will take the cautious approach.

Orlando will also be without Terrence Ross due to a right foot contusion. The home crowd will also be denied the opportunity to see Timofey Mozgov, who suffered a dislocated finger in practice.

Three things to keep an eye on:

1) Wes Iwundu gets the start in place of Isaac. The second-year forward, who had six points in 16 minutes off the bench on Monday, started just 12 games as a rookie last season.

2) Evan Fournier is coming off a disastrous 1-for-11 shooting performance. Let’s see how he bounces back.

3) Isaiah Briscoe made the most of his minutes on Monday, scoring 11 points on 5-for-8 shooting in just eight minutes. For a team with obvious point guard issues, if Briscoe continues to produce, he could make a serious case for playing time in the regular season.

Also, be sure to check out our Magic preview, which includes some hot takes, for SB Nation’s season preview package.

The game will not be televised, but you can follow along on the FOX Sports app and on 96.6 The Game. Join the conversation below....