Game 56: Magic vs. Mavericks GameThread

Who: Dallas Mavericks (33-22) at Orlando Magic (24-31)
When: Friday, February 21st, 2019, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Amway Center, Orlando, FL
TV: Fox Sports Florida
Line: Dallas -4.5, O/U: 220.5
Injuries: Dallas - Powell (OUT); Orlando - Aminu (OUT), Isaac (OUT)
Story-lines: All-Star starter Luka Doncic makes his lone visit to Orlando. The Magic organization inducted longtime fan-favorite Darrell Armstrong into the franchise’s Hall of Fame prior to tonight’s contest. Armstrong, who is an assistant coach for the Mavericks, played 502 games with Orlando (291 starts). James Ennis, who was acquired by Orlando at the NBA’s trade deadline, will be making his first start for the Magic.

Pregame quotes from Coach Clifford

“What you look for is, throughout the lineups, who gives your team the best chance to play well, and have the most balance. And by starting him (Ennis), we have more shooting on the floor. He’s a veteran player, he’s played in big games, and he can play against starters.” ~ Coach Clifford when asked about why he opted to start James Ennis

“Not fouling, simple as that - not fouling. He averages nine free throws a game, if he shoots five - that’s a big deal. Look at Trae Young the other night - if you shoot eleven free throws in a half, you’re going to average 29 (points). These guys don’t miss free throws, you just can’t foul them. Easier said than done, we’ve got to play with great discipline.” ~ Clifford on the focus tonight when defending Luka Doncic


Interested in some gear to commemorate Aaron Gordon’s efforts dunking over Tacko Fall? Check out some potential Gordon dunk contest swag here.

Mike Cali caught up with Kevin P. Love from Liberty Ballers to re-visit the Markelle Fultz trade (one year later).

Leave your pregame and in-game comments below. Feel free to follow us on Twitter at @OPPMagicBlog. And as always - enjoy! Go Magic!