Opinion
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Orlando Magic to Challenge New Orleans Pelicans in a Duel at Smoothie King Center

As the Orlando Magic prepare to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an electrifying encounter. The Magic, coming off a nail-biting game against the Sacramento Kings on March 23rd, where they narrowly lost 107-109 despite leading for nearly 24 minutes of playtime, are looking to bounce back and assert their dominance.


ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 21: Paolo Banchero #5 and Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 21, 2024 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

The previous matchup saw ORL showcasing their depth with an impressive 49 bench points and outrebounding their opponents with a total of 54 rebounds. However, turnovers were a concern as they gave up possession 13 times. Despite this setback, there's no denying that Orlando has been playing some inspired basketball lately. They've demonstrated resilience and an ability to compete against formidable teams.


On March 21st, ORL faced NOP in what turned out to be a high-scoring affair with the Magic coming out on top by putting up an impressive 121 points against NOP's defense while holding them to just 106 points. This was largely due to ORL's superior shooting efficiency from both inside and outside the paint – converting at rates of 70 percent and 39 percent respectively.


ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 21: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 21, 2024 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Pelicans will not make it easy for Orlando though; they have shown that they can put up big numbers as well. In their last game before facing ORL on March 21st, NOP managed a field goal percentage of over half at around 54 percent while also making strides in fast break situations by scoring nearly two-thirds of those opportunities.


However, it is worth noting that during their last confrontation with Orlando Magic on March 21st at Kia Center in Orlando, NOP struggled defensively allowing ORL’s offensive rating to soar above theirs significantly (120.57 compared to NOP’s defensive rating of approximately around the same number). This indicates that when these two teams meet again on April third at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans; if Orlando can maintain or improve upon its offensive efficiency while tightening up its defense even further than before – especially concerning turnovers – then another victory could very well be within reach for them.


ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 21: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on March 21, 2024 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

Magic fans should mark their calendars for April third when these two teams clash once more. The game is scheduled for an evening start time at Smoothie King Center located in New Orleans; tip-off is set for precisely eight o'clock Central Time (CT). For those unable or unwillingly unable attend person but still wishing witness action unfold live from comfort own homes - fear not! You can catch all live coverage via broadcast networks BSNO and BSFL on your television screens ensuring you don't miss single moment what promises be thrilling contest between these Eastern Conference rivals.

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