Minnesota Timberwolves at Orlando Magic
Team Totals: Wolves 120, Magic 112.5
Injury Report: Anthony Edwards (Q, knee), Jordan McLaughlin (Q, groin), Taurean Prince (Q, back), Jarred Vanderbilt (Q, quad)
Wolves projected starters: D’Angelo Russell, Patrick Beverley, Anthony Edwards, Jarred Vanderbilt, Karl-Anthony Towns
Magic projected starters: Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr., Mo Bamba
Finch quotes: Said the ball movement was key for Beasley’s big minute, said Beasley may not have been in shape when the season started, said he has found lineups that “accentuate” ball movement, said Anthony Edwards played great defense on SGA, said they’re ready for the schedule to get tougher, said Vando “needed a break more than anyone” and his leg has been an ongoing issue, said keeping the minutes down has been big.
Mosley quotes: Said he was proud of how the second unit played and that’s why he stuck with hit, said Cole was banged up and he wanted to manage Suggs’ minutes, said he’s still trying to get some new lineup combos in there.
Stats and Notes:
*The Magic have suddenly been an outstanding defense, ranking second in the NBA in D rating since the break. Meanwhile, the Wolves are on fire as an offense as the No. 1 halfcourt offense since the break with their overall O sitting at a flaming-hot 123.5. The Magic offense has been one of the worst in the NBA while the Wolves have been very good on the defensive end lately — they have a really soft schedule. I think the Wolves dominate here.
*This should be a big spot for the perimeter guys with the Magic really lacking on-ball defense. Anthony Edwards has struggled a bit offensively, but this could be a big bounce-back spot.
*D’Angelo Russell has also really clicked on the offensive end as he attacked the basket more. It’s a really good matchup and the Magic playing a little faster bodes well for him, too.
*I’m always down for KAT, but it’s a tougher matchup against Wendell Carter Jr.
*There really aren’t many good matchups for the Magic, assuming Vando goes. If he doesn’t, that could set up for Wendell Carter Jr. with the KAT matchup (or maybe McDaniels).
*Cole Anthony’s matchup isn’t terrible here, but I probably wouldn’t go there with some overall offensive concerns from the Magic.
L.A. Clippers at Atlanta Hawks
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