Game 5: Magic vs Hornets GameThread

Who: Charlotte Hornets (3-1) at Orlando Magic (1-3)
When: Wednesday, October 27th, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Amway Center, Orlando, FL
TV: Bally Sports Florida
Line: Charlotte -5.5, O/U: 220
Injuries: Charlotte - Rozier (Doubtful), Washington (OUT); Orlando - Carter-Williams (OUT), Fultz (OUT), Isaac (OUT), Moore (OUT), Okeke (OUT)

For some pregame reading, Garrett Townsend unpacks some overreactions after one week of Magic basketball.

Pregame quotes from Coach

“We can improve that. I think we have to get the ball over (half-court) by 21 (seconds left on the shot-clock), looking to push it. I always talk to the guys about pace, not just about the amount of possessions, but the speed and the rate at which we are cutting, how we’re getting out of rolls (in pick-and-roll action), and just helping them understand that - not necessarily the number of possessions. I don’t want us to play frantically, but you want to be active and aggressive in all the cuts and movements that you do.” ~ Coach Mosley when asked about his team potentially playing with more pace.

“They’re (Charlotte) a great transition basketball team. They’re looking to get steals, get out and go. So it’s going to put some pressure on our transition defense, we’ve got to have the ability to sprint and get back (to set our half-court defense). We’ve got to take care of the basketball, so that’s going to fall in line with our decision-making - making the right pass on time and on target, and (again) knowing where shots are coming from. Taking quick shots can always put a strain on your transition defense.” - Coach Mosley on Charlotte’s explosiveness in transition.

“We’re going to continue to monitor him. Health is the biggest key, making sure that he’s healthy for the long haul. (We’re going to keep monitoring him) and moving him along slowly. Right now, going with the same lineup.” ~ Coach Mosley when asked about possibly inserting Gary Harris into the starting lineup.


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