Getting healthy has presented some unexpected challenges for the Orlando Magic. Orlando has dropped six of its past seven games despite having its stars back in the mix, but the Magic feel like a turnaround is imminent as they head into a meeting with the host Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night.
Turnovers piled up throughout the night as the Trail Blazers upset the Magic on the night Franz Wagner returned to the Kia Center court.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, left, loses control of the ball as he is defended by Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) AP AP
We've got another exciting interconference contest on Thursday's NBA schedule as the Portland Trail Blazers will host the Orlando Magic. Portland is 18-29 overall and 10-13 at home, while Orlando is 24-24 overall and 9-15 on the road.
The Magic begin a five-game West Coast road trip on Thursday against the Trail Blazers. They fell 125-119 in double overtime in their last time out on Monday against the Miami Heat after leading by 14 points in the fourth quarter for their sixth loss in seven games.
For the second time in his career Damian Lillard comes to Portland as a member of the road team on Tuesday, Jan. 28 when the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center in Portland, Ore.
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Orlando comes into a matchup against Portland after losing four road games in a row. Thursday's meeting is the first of the season between the two squads.
The Blazers have a chance to win three consecutive games for just the second time this season when they play the Magic.
Anfernee Simons scored 21 points and the Portland Trail Blazers extended their winning streak to three with a 100-79 victory over Orlando on Thursday night, spoiling the return of Magic forward Franz Wagner.
On the night that saw rising star forward Franz Wagner make his long-awaited return to the court, nothing came easy for the Magic against the visiting Trail Blazers. Although Portland entered 13th in the West and with only 15 wins on the season,