Lakers vs Magic Preview: Injury Report, TV Stream, How to Watch

On By Littum

The Lakers look to extend their winning streak to seven games when they host another streaking team in the Orlando Magic on Thursday. This will be the first meeting between both teams this season.

Start time and TV programme

WHO: Los Angeles Lakers vs Orlando Magic

When: 7:30pm PT, November 21st

Where: Crypto.com Arena

Clock: Spectrum SportsNet

In my last preview, I asked how legitimate the Lakers’ streak was and I wanted to see them handle it Utah Jazz and close them easily.

While we got our answers to the questions above, that win against the Jazz leaned more on the Dalton Knecht show, which rightly grabbed all the headlines after the game.

But lost in Knecht’s incredible performance is the fact that Los Angeles has now won six straight games, their most since February 2021. The hope is that the purple and gold can keep this up as they continue to solidify their place in the Western Conference – the position.

The Lakers begin a tough stretch of games, starting with the Magic. Orlando is currently on a six-game winning streak and the third seed in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Magic will be the most challenging team the Lakers have faced in a while, and that’s because they present a few matchup problems for Los Angeles. Here’s what to look out for in tomorrow’s game:

Attack vs Defense

The thing about these two teams is that they really are polar opposites. The Lakers have won six straight games largely because of their offense — which is currently top four in the league — while the Magic have done it because of their defense, which is the second best in the NBA right now.

The Lakers are 25th in defense, while the Magic are 25th in offense. Still, it would be a mistake to sleep on this magical team’s attack.

Franz Wagner has taken charge of their offense in Banchero’s absence, averaging 29.0 points, 6.3 assists and 6.0 rebounds over the last six games.

The key for the Lakers is to contain Wagner and make sure the Magic don’t have an underwhelming shooting night. If the Lakers’ offense is lethal enough to overcome the Magic’s size, pressure and athleticism, then they should be fine.

Who takes the starting role?

With Rui Hachimura (left ankle sprain) still listed as questionable, it will be interesting to see if JJ Redick continues to start Knecht.

In four games as a starter, the rookie is averaging 20 points, five rebounds and one assist while shooting 57% from the field and 52% from the 3-point line. Will Redick continue to start the 23-year-old to counter the Magic’s defense and keep the Lakers’ offense flowing?

Aside from Knecht, the Lakers have also won six straight games since replacing D’Angelo Russell for Cam Reddish in the starting lineup. Reddish has played commendable defense, and they’ll need that from him again vs. Orlando.

Speaking of needing a little more, it will be nice to see Max Christie have a good defensive game. If Gabe Vincent, D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves can outplay Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the Lakers should be in good position to win their seventh straight.

The duo of Suggs and KCP is particularly dangerous. They are one of the best defensive fronts in the league.

Note that the Magic will also be on the second night of a back-to-back as they face the LA Clippers on Wednesday, so the Lakers will have the rest of the advantage in this one. That said, this is still a really impressive Magic team that the Lakers shouldn’t take lightly.

Let’s see which one between the Lakers and Magic continues their winning ways on Friday.

Notes and updates

  • The Lakers will debut their “California Destiny” city edition jerseys on Thursday. Here’s a look at what it looks like.
  • For the Lakers’ injury report, Anthony Davis (left plantar fasciitis) is listed as probable, while Rui Hachimura (left ankle sprain) remains questionable.
  • The usuals: Jarred Vanderbilt (right foot surgery recovery), Jaxson Hayes (left ankle sprain), Christian Wood (left knee recovery) and Jalen Hood-Schifino (left groin soreness) remain out. Bronny James (left heel contusion) is doubtful.
  • A report on Vanderbilt was given Wednesday indicating the forward will be reevaluated in a few weeks. It has been a frustrating story to follow since the start of the season.
  • The Magic have yet to release an injury report for Thursday as they back-to-back, but expect Paolo Banchero (torn right oblique) and Wendell Carter Jr. (left plantar fasciitis) is out.
  • We will be live on Playback for this game, so be sure to join us!

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglanI.