2023-2024 Regular Season Game 49: Orlando Magic (25-23) at Minnesota Timberwolves (34-14) - 8pm

[IllMagic04]

JI really is the difference. I just wish I could trust him to stay healthy.

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[thelead]

The Pacers btw have lost 3 straight and the Magic are just 0.5 games out of 6th.

I think the goal, trade or no trade, should be to earn the 6 seed.

I didn't think it was possible but with Sixers possibly losing Embiid for the rest of the year, they're another team we can catch.

I just don't think the Magic can overcome the gap the Sixers currently have (5 games).

They still have Maxey and a veteran laden roster. Even if Embiid misses the rest of the season, I think they can play around .500 ball the rest of the way and finish with like 46 wins.

I don't think the Magic can get that high, even though their schedule is soft.

5 games is a decent amount but the Sixers are 4-9 in games played without Embiid. It took Maxey scoring 51pts last night to beat the Jazz by 3. I think it is in the realm of possibilities if Embiid misses the rest of the year.

[MasterGMer]

Does anyone agree when Fultz was on the floor he is a winning factor for us. He makes good read on assists and he can finish around the rim. But in the 4th Q, I was happy we didn't play him either. We go big with Suggs, Franz, Paolo, JI and Wendell. Especially JI, that is why we win the game. Coach Mosley really done well with 4th Q lineup. That is why we won, plain and simple

[Knightro]

5 games is a decent amount but the Sixers are 4-9 in games played without Embiid. It took Maxey scoring 51pts last night to beat the Jazz by 3. I think it is in the realm of possibilities if Embiid misses the rest of the year.

In fairness...

Of the games Embiid has missed this season, Maxey also missed 3 of them and they lost all of those.

So really it's 4-6 in games without Embiid and with Maxey. Closer to .500 at least.

[Knightro]

Does anyone agree when Fultz was on the floor he is a winning factor for us. He makes good read on assists and he can finish around the rim. But in the 4th Q, I was happy we didn't play him either. We go big with Suggs, Franz, Paolo, JI and Wendell. Especially JI, that is why we win the game. Coach Mosley really done well with 4th Q lineup. That is why we won, plain and simple

I thought Fultz played about as well as he's capable of playing tonight and he ended up with 10 points and 5 assists.

There's just not enough production to justify continuing to start him.

I understand the organization probably feels differently than I do about that, but his unwillingness to shoot the basketball just makes things so challenging on offense for everyone around him.

[mattyBoi]

We're about to go on a nice run, rest of season should be smooth.

[SOUL]

We're about to go on a nice run, rest of season should be smooth.

Things are never smooth for the Magic, I feel like for jinx's sake and just common sense posts like these need to be saged and eradicated. Let us look back on it once we hit our groove.

[CocoaFan]

Outside of some small stretches, Fultz played well this game.

It's the former 1st pick expectations + contract + current role when you factor into actually competing long-term though. If he comes off the bench in a TJ McConnell role with limited minutes (or extended minutes when playing well), I think a lot of people's criticisms rightfully go away.

I agree with you. IMO the best role Markelle has ever filled in Orlando was two years ago when he was just coming back from the torn ACL and he played a tight 20 MPG as a backup PG for like 15 games down the stretch.

When he can come in and just race the ball up and down the floor and find shooters and cutters in transition and semi transition against the other team's backups, that's where his skill set will shine the best IMO.

The problem is, it's hard for him to fill that backup PG role here in Orlando because they already have Cole who they've already committed an extension to, and those two guys aren't really suited to share the floor.

Trade Cole. Fultz would be a better backup PG

[eyriq]

We're about to go on a nice run, rest of season should be smooth.

I'm with you, big run coming. Don't let the superstitious lot spoil your good vibes!

[Knightro]

We're about to go on a nice run, rest of season should be smooth.

Things are never smooth for the Magic, I feel like for jinx's sake and just common sense posts like these need to be saged and eradicated. Let us look back on it once we hit our groove.

Well...

We're going to find out in a day and a half how serious this team really is about making a run for the 6 seed.

Visiting a very bad Detroit team, but a Detroit team who has been playing much more competitive ball over the last two weeks - even if the wins haven't been pouring in.

It's a game the Magic need to take care of business in and win.

[MasterGMer]

Don't overlook, guys. Detroit could be easy but you never know. Our schedule is going to be easier. But stay the course, guys. My expectation for the regular season is much higher

[KillMonger]

some great showcase minutes for gary harris......18 minutes.....2 points....really lighting the net on fire

[Knightro]

some great showcase minutes for gary harris......18 minutes.....2 points....really lighting the net on fire

His layup was sweet though.

[J the Drafter]

Does anyone agree when Fultz was on the floor he is a winning factor for us. He makes good read on assists and he can finish around the rim. But in the 4th Q, I was happy we didn't play him either. We go big with Suggs, Franz, Paolo, JI and Wendell. Especially JI, that is why we win the game. Coach Mosley really done well with 4th Q lineup. That is why we won, plain and simple

I thought Fultz played about as well as he's capable of playing tonight and he ended up with 10 points and 5 assists.

There's just not enough production to justify continuing to start him.

I understand the organization probably feels differently than I do about that, but his unwillingness to shoot the basketball just makes things so challenging on offense for everyone around him.

Fultz was better last year, where he had several games in 18-20+ points range. It’s taken time for him to get his conditioning back. But when he’s in shape his interior scoring is more valuable than you give it credit for, even if he wasn’t too effective this game. He certainly isn’t the transition offense-only player you cast him as.

[VFX]

Does anyone agree when Fultz was on the floor he is a winning factor for us. He makes good read on assists and he can finish around the rim. But in the 4th Q, I was happy we didn't play him either. We go big with Suggs, Franz, Paolo, JI and Wendell. Especially JI, that is why we win the game. Coach Mosley really done well with 4th Q lineup. That is why we won, plain and simple

No

[RookieStar]

We're about to go on a nice run, rest of season should be smooth.

I'm with you, big run coming. Don't let the superstitious lot spoil your good vibes!

Well i know who im blaming if things goes south...

[SOUL]

We're about to go on a nice run, rest of season should be smooth.

I'm with you, big run coming. Don't let the superstitious lot spoil your good vibes!

Well i know who im blaming if things goes south...

I legit get annoyed at stuff like this, not because of superstition, but people don't learn lol. We were saying the same thing with our hot start, then the injuries came, bam.

Imagine flying on a plane and then on the descent being like, "Thank god our plane didnt crash!" people would be like wtf?? just wait lmao

No point in counting your chickens before they hatch.

I do hope we take advantage of an easier schedule coming up though.

[KillMonger]

some great showcase minutes for gary harris......18 minutes.....2 points....really lighting the net on fire

His layup was sweet though.

really shifted the momentum

[drsd]

I am so very Happy

[TheChaser]

We're about to go on a nice run, rest of season should be smooth.

Brother, I'm feeling that way as well.