Warriors vs Magic: NBA Game Preview and Prediction

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The Golden State Warriors are set to face the Orlando Magic on Thursday night, with the Warriors aiming to extend their winning streak to five games and take a 2-0 lead in the season series. The Warriors have been on a roll since acquiring Jimmy Butler III at the trade deadline, going 6-1 in their last seven games. They will be looking to build on this momentum as they begin a five-game road trip in Orlando.

The Magic, on the other hand, are coming off a disappointing 122-82 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers and will be looking to bounce back from this setback. They have a strong record at home against the Warriors, having won five of their last six games against them in Orlando. The Magic's frontcourt, featuring Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, will be a key factor in this game, as they look to take advantage of their size and scoring ability against the Warriors' smaller lineup.

The Warriors' defense will be crucial in this game, as they look to contain the Magic's top scorers and force them to make jump shots. The Magic have struggled with their three-point shooting, with a league-low 30.4% success rate, and the Warriors will be looking to exploit this weakness. The Warriors' team defense has been impressive in recent games, and they will be looking to build on this as they face the Magic's offense, which has been struggling to score points. The Warriors' small lineup will also be put to the test, as they look to match up against the Magic's bigger players.

Here are the key statistics and predictions for the game:

• Warriors' record: 31-27
• Magic's record: 29-31
• Warriors' winning streak: 4 games
• Magic's home record against Warriors: 5-1 in last 6 games
• Paolo Banchero's points per game: 23.0
• Franz Wagner's points per game: 24.9

The model has simulated the game 10,000 times and is leaning Under the total, projecting 206 combined points. It also says one side of the spread hits over 50% of the time.

In conclusion, the Warriors vs Magic game is set to be an exciting matchup, with both teams looking to build on their recent performances. The Warriors will be looking to extend their winning streak and take a 2-0 lead in the season series, while the Magic will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss and take advantage of their home record against the Warriors. With the Warriors' strong team defense and the Magic's struggling offense, this game is set to be a closely contested and intense matchup.

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