The Orlando Magic got a rude welcome on the road from the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of their first-round series. Orlando, which finished an impressive regular-season campaign by finishing No. 5 in the East, looked a bit lost versus Cleveland’s veteran crew. The Magic, though, are unfazed by the odds and will look to tie the series before it shifts to Florida.
The Cavaliers, who probably felt what the Magic are going through right now in last season’s early exit against the New York Knicks, were ready. They didn’t do anything overwhelming; the Cavs just consistently pounded their inexperienced opponents into submission. Donovan Mitchell and Co. will look to make it a 2-0 advantage after Monday’s showdown.
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The Magic finally got a taste of playoff basketball against the Cavaliers. Despite the loss, they are likely more eager to prove that they belong on the same stage as their opponents.
Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Reports for Apr. 22
Orlando Magic injury report
The Magic is the only team in the NBA playoffs that doesn’t have anyone on the injury report, something that's quite rare.
Cleveland Cavaliers injury report
Dean Wade, Craig Porter Jr. and Ty Jerome will be in street clothes in Game 2 for the Cavaliers.
Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineups and Depth Charts for Apr. 22
Orlando Magic starting lineup and depth chart
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley used Wendell Carter Jr. at center almost the entire regular season when healthy.
He took a different route in Game 1 by using Jonathan Isaac. Mosley may stick to his new man in the middle along with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner in the frontline.
The combo of Jalen Suggs and Gary Harris will open the game for Mosley as his perimeter players.
Cleveland Cavaliers starting lineup and depth chart
Unlike Mosley, J.B. Bickerstaff has stuck to his tested first five of Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, Max Strus and Donovan Mitchell. The Cavaliers coach isn’t likely tinkering with his starting unit after an impressive Game 1.
Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers key matchups
Paolo Banchero vs Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen
Evan Mobley’s length, anticipation, mobility and Jarrett Allen cleaning up mistakes or vice versa made it a long night for Paolo Banchero.
The Orlando Magic franchise cornerstone had 24 points but also coughed up the ball nine times. Jamahl Mosely will have to find a way to get his prized forward some breathing room.
Not many teams have the versatility to match up with Orlando’s Banchero and Franz Wagner, but the Cleveland Cavaliers happen to be one of them.
Donovan Mitchell vs Gary Harris
Donovan Mitchell dictated the pace of the matchup between the two teams. He started hot against Harris and set the tone for the Cavaliers’ relentless attack throughout the night. When Suggs rotated over the guard “Spida,” Darius Garland took over dissecting the visitors’ defense.
Cole Anthony or Markelle Fultz could have an early shot at trying to contain Mitchell as well.
Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers starting lineups and depth charts for Game 2 (April 22) | 2024 NBA Playoffs - Sportskeeda
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