The Toronto Raptors will be looking to increase their chances of finishing in a playoff position on Friday evening, as they host the Orlando Magic, who will also be looking for a second straight win in the NBA.
Raptors vs Magic Schedule
- When: Friday, April 16th
- Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa
- How To Watch: NBA League Pass
Raptors vs Magic Preview
Raptors Searching For Second Straight Win
The Toronto Raptors need a survival mission if they are to finish the season in an NBA playoff position this term. They still have very realistic chances of finishing in a place for the play-in competition, as they are narrowly behind the Chicago Bulls coming into this fixture. The Bulls have a win percentage of .407, while the Raptors have a win percentage of .393. Toronto will need to continue to build on what they have showed in recent games, as they have won four of their previous six fixtures.
The Bulls have an inferior record, as they have lost four on the bounce. Toronto come into this game having ended a two-game losing run, following defeats against the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks. The Raptors beat the San Antonio Spurs last time out, as they claimed a much-needed 117-112 success. OG Anunoby scored 22 points in the win, while Pascal Siakam finished with 20, and Khem Birch had 14.
Magic Still Have Hope
The Orlando Magic are second bottom in the Eastern Conference, but are a fair way off the automatic playoff places. The play-in tournament could still be within the realms of possibility, but they will need a long winning sequence to achieve that finish this season. Orlando come into this game having lost seven of their previous ten, but they did win for a first time in six last time out, as they beat the Chicago Bulls 115-106. That was a much-needed win, with the result also inflicted a fourth straight defeat on the Bulls.
The Magic started the stronger of the two sides, as they outscored the Bulls 32-22 in the opening period. They were able to pull further ahead on the third, as they outscored Chicago 39-19. James Ennis III led the way for the Magic, as he scored 22 points. Meanwhile, Wendell Carter Jr scored 19, and there were also double digit totals in the game for Gary Harris, Michael Carter-Williams, Terrence Ross and Cole Anthony.
Recent Meetings Between Sides
The Toronto Raptors have been dominant in fixtures against the Orlando Magic, as they have won the last seven. That includes the two victories that they have recorded against the Magic this season. Orlando’s last win against Toronto came back in February 2019.
Raptors vs Magic Pick
The Magic would have built confidence after their win against the Bulls this past week, but it would still be hard to see past Toronto. The Raptors are building slow momentum, and their excellent record against the Magic is also very hard to look past.
