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The Orlando Magic will be at the Smoothie King Center on Monday to take on the New Orleans Pelicans. After a long offseason, the two teams will take on each other to open their preseason. Paolo Banchero will lead the Magic against his fellow former Duke superstar Zion Williamson in the matchup.
Orlando’s defensive identity last season got a boost following the arrival of two-time champ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The Magic will be promptly tested on the road against the Pelicans’ retooled roster.
Orlando Magic vs New Orleans Pelicans: Injury report
Orlando Magic injury report
No injury to report
New Orleans Pelicans injury report
Trey Murphy III has been ruled day-to-day due to a right hamstring strain. He will be a game-time decision.
Orlando Magic vs New Orleans Pelicans: Starting lineups and depth charts
Orlando Magic starting lineup and depth chart
New Orleans Pelicans starting lineups and depth charts
Orlando Magic vs New Orleans Pelicans: Key matchups
Paolo Banchero vs Zion Williamson
The two former Duke superstars are headed for a mouthwatering matchup. Banchero carried the Magic to a playoff appearance last season. He's healthy and has been raring to lead his team to another postseason run.
Zion Williamson has been losing weight since December. “Zanos” struck fans in the offseason when he looked sculpted. Williamson confirmed reports when he said that he would be playing much lighter this season.
Banchero versus Williamson will not last long, but fans will be delighted to see them going at each other.
Franz Wagner vs Herb Jones
Franz Wagner against Herb Jones will be the second most anticipated matchup in the Magic-Pelicans game. Wagner pushed for All-Star consideration last year and is coming off a superb showing at the Olympics, where he was arguably Germany’s best player.
Lining up across him will be Herb Jones, one of the NBA’s best and most versatile defenders. Jones will probably spend his time trying to slow down Banchero but will get his chance on Wagner.
Wagner versus Jones is a worthwhile supporting battle in the headliner between Banchero and Williamson.
CJ McCollum vs Jalen Suggs
CJ McCollum and Jalen Suggs have understated roles in the Magic-Pelicans matchup, but they will help decide the winner of the game on Monday.
McCollum has built a reputation scoring the ball, while Suggs is probably Orlando's best defender. The one-on-one between the two will be one of the most interesting head-to-head matchups in the game.
