San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs (24-33) are not shining this season and are not living up to their expectations. The last few weeks are a good indication of that, as they have lost 7 of the last 9 games. Of course, 7 of the last 9 games have been away games, but that is a low winning percentage anyway. The Spurs are not helped by their home court this season, where the ratio of wins to losses is almost even at 14 wins and 13 losses, while their away record is only 10 wins in 30 games played. The competition in the Western Conference is immense, and there are as many as 6 real contenders in the battle for 8th place and the playoffs, all within a few wins of each other. Looking at the current form, it would be hard to expect the Spurs to make the playoffs, but given how good and accomplished this organisation is, it can't be written off prematurely either.

The team's youngsters are playing more and more important roles in the team's game, with D. White scoring 10 points and 3 rebounds in 23 minutes, D. Murray returning from injury and adding 10 points and 6 rebounds, and the team's first-year player, L. Walker IV, scoring 6 points and 2 rebounds in 14 minutes of play. Former Raptors leader Derozan continues to play first fiddle for the team with 23 points and L. Aldridge adds 19 points and 8 rebounds.

Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic (27-32) lost their first game after the All-Star Weekend to the Dallas Mavericks, but followed it up with a 3-game winning streak. The Magic have won 5 of the last 6 meetings and will be looking for their 4th consecutive victory against the Spurs. Interestingly, Orlando has started to show a faster and more efficient offense after the break. In the last 3 games, the Magic scored 113, 130 and 136 points, which is well above their season average. It is quite realistic that the team has had more practice and playing time since taking almost a week off, which, at least for now, seems to be to their advantage.

Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon continue to lead the team, with the latter recording his first career triple-double in the last game against the Minnesota Timberwolves with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists. T. Ross is also a key figure for the Magic, and his emergence from the bench makes a big difference in the game. Ross is a player who takes the initiative right away, and once he starts hitting his shots it can be very difficult to stop him. Overall, the Magic, while not the most stable team in the league, have enough weapons to surprise in individual games and remain in contention for the playoffs.

Will miss this match

Orlando Magic: A. Aminu and J. Issac;

San Antonio Spurs: L. Aldridge

Forecast

The Orlando Magic have started to show great offensive prowess after the all-star weekend break, winning 3 games in a row. Meanwhile, the Spurs not only continue to fail to find the key to victory, but they will also have to play this game without one of their key players, L. Aldridge. It's hard to imagine who will stop Vucevic, and in an already weak San Antonio Spurs' front line, it's unlikely that anyone will be able to make an impact. All the trumps are in Magic's hands in this game, and the odds do not reflect the current form of the teams and the real situation.

San Antonio Spurs - Orlando Magic, NBA, 2020-03-01