The Orlando Magic take on the Indiana Pacers in the second game of a back-to-back series on Monday night. These foes met on Saturday night and it was the Pacers logging a narrow 114-113 home win to begin the season series.

Magic Conclude Road Trip

The Orlando Magic are concluding a three-game road trip on Monday. They began the trek with a surprising 108-107 road win against the Bulls on Friday and were competitive in a tough 114-113 loss in Indiana on Saturday night. Orlando is playing through several key injuries and has been competitive when considering the shorthanded roster. The Magic have covered in two out of their last three games.

Magic’ scoring leader Paolo Banchero remains out of action due to an ankle injury. The skilled rookie is posting an average of 23.5 PPG and 8.3 RPG and should be able to return to the court later this week. Franz Wagner continues to shine. The 6-foot-10 forward has scored at least 20 points in three out of his last four games including 29 points on Saturday. Wagner has increased his season average to 19.3 PPG on a 49% mark from the field to go with 4.5 APG.

The Magic have now dropped four out of their last five road games after Saturday’s defeat with the only road win in that span occurring on Friday. The Magic are not a high-scoring team, scoring an average of 109.9 points, landing them 23rd. The defense has been their best strength. They are conceding an average of 112.9 points, good for 13th in the NBA.

Pacers Collect Another Victory vs. Magic

The Indiana Pacers are seeking their fifth consecutive victory. Indiana has been a surprise team so far as the young players are contributing on a consistent basis. They are now a stellar 8-2 in their last ten games after Saturday’s narrow win against Orlando. Indiana shot 45% from the field in the victory. The Pacers have covered the spread in nine out of their last ten games.

Tyrese Haliburton has connected on at least 56% of his field goals in two out of his last three bouts. The 22-year-old point guard will attempt about eight threes per game and features a 40% efficiency from deep. Haliburton scored 22 points on Saturday and has compiled a season average of 20.6 PPG. Buddy Hield sunk 15 points in the loss to the Magic. The 29-year-old shooting guard has reached the 20-point mark three times this month and has recorded an average of 18 PPG along with 4.9 RPG. Myles Turner continues to excel, accumulating five double-doubles this month. The veteran center has a double-double on Saturday and has amassed an average of 18.2 PPG and 8.9 RPG.

Indiana is now 3-2 in their last five games at the Fieldhouse. The Pacers’ offense has fueled their success this season. They have cooled down a bit in the last few games but are averaging 116.5 points, good for fifth in the league, and rank seventh in three-point shooting. They are conceding an average of 114.9 points, positioning them 19th.