The Orlando Magic have been perfect at home so far this season, winning all seven of their home games. However, playing on the road has been a different challenge for them.
After winning five straight games at home, the Magic will try to keep their momentum going as they start a three-game road trip with a game against the Phoenix Suns on Monday.
The Suns are coming off a tough last-second loss on Sunday when Julius Randle hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Minnesota Timberwolves a 120-117 win.
Phoenix will now return home to face Orlando, who has only won one of their seven road games so far this season. The Magic’s road struggles go back to last season when they lost all four of their road playoff games to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Orlando gave fans hope that their home success might carry over to the road after sweeping a five-game homestand. They ended it with a 98-86 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.
Franz Wagner led the Magic in that game with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, as Orlando held their fifth straight opponent to under 100 points.
Franz’s brother, Moe Wagner, also played a key role, scoring 14 points. After limiting Philadelphia to just 14 points in the fourth quarter, Moe said the key was simply effort and a willingness to play hard. He added that it’s easier to play well at home but hoped their good play would carry over to the road.
Franz Wagner has become a consistent scorer for the Magic, especially with star Paolo Banchero sidelined due to an oblique injury.
“(Franz) has really stepped up with Paolo out,” said Moe Wagner. “He’s locked in. I didn’t even need to talk to him about it because whatever he’s doing is working.”
The Magic will need another strong defensive performance against Phoenix, especially against Devin Booker, who scored 44 points in the Suns’ loss to Minnesota on Sunday. Booker has scored 40 or more points 34 times in his career, the most in Suns history.
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer praised Booker’s effort: “He came out, put us on his back, and gave us a chance. He was phenomenal. A lot of credit to Book today.”
Phoenix will again be without two of their stars for Monday’s game. Bradley Beal will miss his fourth straight game due to a left calf strain, and Kevin Durant is also out with the same injury.
With the stars out, veteran center Mason Plumlee has seen more playing time. He contributed six points, eight rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 29 minutes on Sunday.
“Mason’s super high energy,” said Booker. “He’s a pleasure to play with. He’s communicating well and running the point-center position, making sure everyone is in their spots.”
Phoenix also got a boost from rookie forward Oso Ighodaro, who scored a career-high 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting off the bench.
Guard Grayson Allen has been playing well for the Suns, scoring 33 points over the last two games. The Suns have also had success against the Magic recently, winning their last five home games against Orlando.
