Through 3 Quarters
Down eight at the end of last quarter, the Los Angeles Lakers have now snagged the lead. Three quarters in and their offense has really been able to impose its will, dominating the Orlando Magic 90-78 three quarters in.
Los Angeles has been relying on point guard Russell Westbrook, who has 14 points and five assists along with nine boards, and small forward LeBron James, who has 24 points and four assists in addition to six rebounds. One thing to keep an eye out for is Dwight Howard's foul situation as he currently sits at five.
Orlando has been led by power forward Wendell Carter Jr., who so far has 17 points along with four rebounds. A double-double would be Carter Jr.'s sixth in a row.
Who's Playing
Los Angeles @ Orlando
Current Records: Los Angeles 22-23; Orlando 8-38
What to Know
The Orlando Magic haven't won a game against the Los Angeles Lakers since Jan. 15 of 2020, but they'll be looking to end the drought Friday. Orlando will look to defend their home court against Los Angeles at 7 p.m. ET. Given that these two teams suffered a loss in their last game, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.
The contest between the Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday was not a total blowout, but with Orlando falling 123-110 on the road, it was darn close to turning into one. Despite the loss, Orlando got a solid performance out of center Mo Bamba, who shot 7-for-8 from downtown and finished with 32 points and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles came up short against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, falling 111-104. The losing side was boosted by small forward LeBron James, who dropped a double-double on 30 points and 12 rebounds in addition to five dimes.
Orlando is expected to lose this next one by 5. Those sticking with them against the spread have guts, to put it politely, as the team has let down bettors in their past three games.
The Magic are now 8-38 while the Lakers sit at 22-23. A pair of stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: Orlando is second worst in the league in points per game, with only 101.7 on average. Los Angeles has experienced some struggles of their own as they are stumbling into the game with the fourth most points allowed per game in the league, having given up 112.8 on average. It's possible one of these Achilles' heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
How To Watch
- When: Friday at 7 p.m. ET
- Where: Amway Center -- Orlando, Florida
- TV: Bally Sports Florida
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Ticket Cost: $130.00
Odds
The Lakers are a 5-point favorite against the Magic, according to the latest NBA odds.
The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Lakers as a 5.5-point favorite.
Over/Under: -110
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Series History
Los Angeles have won seven out of their last 13 games against Orlando.
- Dec 12, 2021 - Los Angeles 106 vs. Orlando 94
- Apr 26, 2021 - Los Angeles 114 vs. Orlando 103
- Mar 28, 2021 - Los Angeles 96 vs. Orlando 93
- Jan 15, 2020 - Orlando 119 vs. Los Angeles 118
- Dec 11, 2019 - Los Angeles 96 vs. Orlando 87
- Nov 25, 2018 - Orlando 108 vs. Los Angeles 104
- Nov 17, 2018 - Orlando 130 vs. Los Angeles 117
- Mar 07, 2018 - Los Angeles 108 vs. Orlando 107
- Jan 31, 2018 - Orlando 127 vs. Los Angeles 105
- Jan 08, 2017 - Los Angeles 111 vs. Orlando 95
- Dec 23, 2016 - Orlando 109 vs. Los Angeles 90
- Mar 08, 2016 - Los Angeles 107 vs. Orlando 98
- Nov 11, 2015 - Orlando 101 vs. Los Angeles 99
Injury Report for Orlando
- Markelle Fultz: Out (Knee)
- E'Twaun Moore: Out (Knee)
- Michael Carter-Williams: Out (Ankle)
- Jonathan Isaac: Out (Knee)
- R.J. Hampton: Out (Knee)
Injury Report for Los Angeles
- LeBron James: Game-Time Decision (Abdomen)
- Sekou Doumbouya: Out (Covid-19)
- Anthony Davis: Out (Knee)
- Kendrick Nunn: Out (Knee)
