Magic Starting 5: Orlando Snaps Losing Streak vs. Thunder

The Magic Insider lists five of the biggest NBA storylines in addition to relevant Orlando Magic news and analysis.

Jeremy Brener | Jan 5, 2023

Magic Starting 5: Orlando Snaps Losing Streak vs. Thunder /

1. MAGIC BEAT THUNDER, SNAP LOSING STREAK

"It's a nice win for the young Magic, winning a game against a Thunder squad that scored 150 the night before against the NBA-best Boston Celtics. The victory snaps a three-game losing streak and could give the team momentum going into the new year."

2. JALEN SUGGS BACK TONIGHT?

According to Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said that there's a "possibility" for Jalen Suggs to return to the court for tonight's game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

3. CHRISTIAN WOOD 'AMPING UP' DEFENSE

"Wood's progression has been achieved while the Mavs have been without some of their top defensive talents like Dorian Finney-Smth, Maxi Kleber, and Josh Green as of late. Wood understands there is an even greater importance placed on his impact to help make up for his teammates' absence as they recover from injuries. Kleber's absence, in particular, has placed Wood in the anchor role of the defense.

"Just amping up the defensive intensity," Wood told DallasBasketball.com in explaining his increasing impact on defense. "My teammates have trust in me to make big plays. My coaches have trust in me to make big plays. With a few guys out like our defensive anchors — Doe, Maxi, Josh — the guys have to step up, and I think I've been doing that as of late."

4. THURSDAY'S GAMES

5. NEXT MAGIC GAME

The Magic will return to the court tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies at 7:00 p.m. You can watch in-market on Bally Sports Florida or out-of-market on NBA League Pass.

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Published Jan 5, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.