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UPCOMING MILESTONES: If LeBron James scores at least ten points, he extends his double digit scoring streak to 788 games, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the 2nd longest streak in NBA history. Cleveland can extend their franchise-best win streak against a single team with a 17th consecutive win over the Magic tonight, while also breaking the tie with the Thunder’s 16th straight over the 76ers for longest active win streak over a single team.
After a brief three game losing streak in an all-around below-average March, the Cavaliers have finally managed to string together consecutive wins again after a 135-130 double-overtime win over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. While looking to make it three straight wins, the Cavaliers welcome the Orlando Magic, who are just 3-7 over their last 10 games, including four straight losses. With the 1st seed in the Eastern Conference still under contest, as the Celtics – who have won eight of their last ten – are just a half game up over the Cavaliers. Most recently, the Magic – the second last team in the East – fell 121-111 to the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday.
In both of the previous matches this season between these two teams, the Cavaliers have managed to come out on top. On October 29th, LeBron James’ 23 points helped propel the Wine-and-Gold past the Magic, led by Evan Fournier’s 22 points, to a 105-99 victory, despite being outrebounded by ten. Most recently, LeBron James notched a 24 points, 12 rebound, and 12 assists triple double to help offset Nikola Vucevic’s 20 points and 15 rebounds in a 116-104 contest. Interestingly, the Cavaliers have won 16 straight games against the Magic – a franchise best against an opponent. With a win, they will continue to add to that streak, while also claiming the longest active streak in the NBA over a single team – breaking the tie with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 16 straight against the Philadelphia 76ers.
As a team, the Magic currently have the second worst field goal percentage at just 44.0% and the worst three point percentage in the league at 32.5% – a full 6.1% lower than the Cavaliers. Despite their inefficiency from beyond the arc, they still attempt 26.0 threes per game, 17th most in the league. Defensively, they give up 107.0 points per game – 21st in the league – which just so happens to be tied with the Cavaliers. They haven’t been successful this season in terms of opponent shooting – they allow the 7th highest opponents field goal percentage and the 11th highest opponents three point percentage. With the Cavaliers continuing to rely on an offense-first style of play, they may be able to find a rhythm tonight against the Magic defense.
Key players to watch for on the Magic will be Evan Fournier (averaging 17.1 points per game), Nikola Vucevic (averaging 15.1 points and 10.4 rebounds per game), and Elfrid Payton (averaging 12.6 points and 6.3 assists per game).
Tipoff is set for 7:00 EST and will be broadcast on FOX Sports Ohio.
