Magic vs. Raptors: 3 Big Things to Watch

The Orlando Magic (24-34) face-off against the Toronto Raptors (27-31) at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night.

ORLANDO - In both clubs' final game before the All Star Break, the Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors look to close out the first half of the year on a winning note. 

The Magic have been playing winning basketball of late, defeating four of its last six opponents including its most recent, beating the Chicago Bulls just 24 hours ago. 

Toronto has also been playing its best basketball of the season recently, winning four of its last five games including a 119-118 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. 

Here are three things to watch in this Eastern Conference matchup...

Will VanVleet Erupt Once More?

A player involved in several trade rumors over the past few weeks, Raptors guard Fred VanVleet ultimately will stay north of the border until at least the offseason. 

Averaging 19.9 points per game on the year, VanVleet went off in Toronto's win over Detroit, leading all scorers with 35 on 12 of 26 from the field - including 6 of 13 from long range. 

And over three games this year Orlando has done a good job of limiting the seventh year guard, holding him to just 17.3 points and .361/.292/.792 shooting from the field. 

Can Magic Contain Raptors Three Point Attack?

It appeared Orlando was going to run away with the game in the third quarter after forcing Chicago into 16 straight misses from three point range. 

And luckily for the Magic, the Raptors rank in the bottom half of nearly every category from beyond the arc, ranking 22nd in three-pointers made, 20th in attempts, and 27th in percentage.

In the two team's last matchup on December 11th, the Magic limited Toronto to 6 of 25 from distance in the 111-99 victory. 

Another Season Series Victory?

Leading the season series 2-1 through three games, Orlando has an opportunity to secure another series victory in the teams final matchup of the year.

After facing off three times in the span of eight days back in December, the teams have gone over two months without a chance to go toe-to-toe. 

But now in the second half of the season, and both clubs in a hunt to a Play-In spot, the magnitude of this game is undeniable. 

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. 

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You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.

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