Orlando Magic vs Washington Wizards Prediction: Can the Wizards handle the 13th team in the Eastern Conference?

Washington has won their last seven head-to-head meetings against Orlando, and now it is especially important for the Metropolitan Club to extend their winning streak. Can a weak Wizards team handle the 13th team in the Eastern Conference?

Orlando tried reviving their intrigue this season, but it didn't work out. The Magic never finished above 13th place in the Eastern Conference and couldn't contend for a playoff spot. The team has a solid young core, and the Florida squad is slowly strengthening. Markelle Fultz is back on form after a severe injury, and at times he handles an offensive load comparable to that of Paolo Banquero and Franz Wagner. In the offseason, Orlando can sign a star basketball player and expect progress from the youth, and the current regular season is all about finishing the game.

Finally, the Magic's hopes were killed by three losses in their last four games. In one game, Orlando lost to the underdogs of the West, San Antonio. There was also a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, but in the last match, they could not cope with another team from California, the Lakers (105:111). Wagner and Banquero each scored 21 points. Orlando led the Lakers in shooting from the field (18-of-43 overall), and Cole Anthony was even less efficient. Jalen Suggs missed the meeting with the Lakers due to a concussion and will not play against Washington either.

The Wizards have lost 7 of their last nine regular-season games, and it will be challenging to regain their place in the top 10 of the Eastern Conference. The Capitals are 11th, two wins behind Chicago. Washington's schedule was uneasy. They faced top-10 clubs in the East most of the time. Kyle Kuzma missed one of the meetings with the Pistons. Kuzma is currently in the infirmary and won't play against Orlando.

Last regular-season game, the team lost at home to Sacramento State with a score of 118:132. Kuzma scored 33 points in that game, making him the highest scorer on the team. Bradley Beal had an excellent game (20 points, 8 of 17 from the field), but Kristaps Porzingis never came to the floor. Even in Porzingis' absence, Daniel Gafford didn't get many minutes on the court, despite his 20-25 minutes on the court in the past. Only three Washington players scored 10+ points on the night: in addition to Beal and Kuzma, Corey Kispert (13 points) did the same.

Orlando has been shaky on both ends of the court of late. Without Suggs, it's harder for the team to defend, and Banquero has never been known for his defensive skills. Washington's offense is slowly improving, and the team can win even without Kuzma. Porzingis is back, Beal is in good form, and Kispert is helping quite well. In their last in-person meeting, the teams combined for over 250 points, although the Wizards' roster was more optimal.