Preview: Magic vs Pacers – Pacers in Poor Form and Playing Back-to-Back, Can They Avoid Another Loss on the Road?

At 7:00 AM on October 29, the NBA regular season continues with the Orlando Magic hosting the Indiana Pacers.

The Magic bolstered their roster by acquiring Josh Hart during the offseason, further enhancing the young team’s strength. The team started the season with two consecutive wins but suffered their first loss of the season in their last game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Magic average 114.3 points per game, ranking 6th in the Eastern Conference, while their defense remains strong, allowing only 107.7 points per game, the best in the East.

Francesco Wagner is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 25 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4 assists, with a shooting percentage of 53%. Paolo Banchero averages 21.3 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, performing consistently. Jalen Suggs, Moritz Wagner, and Wendell Carter Jr. also average double-digit points, while Gary Harris, Cole Anthony, and Josh Hart contribute more than 5 points per game. The young players continue to improve, and the Magic remain competitive in the new season.

As the surprise team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the Pacers have had a rough start this year, with a 1-2 record after three games. They lost to the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers, only managing to beat the weaker Detroit Pistons. Last season, the Pacers were the top offensive team in the league, but they are now averaging just 109 points per game, ranking third from the bottom in the East, which is surprising. Their defense remains weak, allowing 116.7 points per game.

Core player Tyrese Haliburton has struggled at the start of the season, averaging only 12.3 points and 3.7 assists, a stark contrast to his performance last season. In the loss to the 76ers, Haliburton made multiple critical errors in the final moments of the fourth quarter and missed two free throws that could have tied the game in overtime. OG Anunoby is the team’s leading scorer, but he averages only 16 points. The poor form of the core players and the general lackluster performance of other teammates have contributed to the Pacers’ poor start.

In terms of form, the Magic appear to be in better shape, especially with their strong home record. The Pacers have already lost two consecutive games and are playing back-to-back, making it difficult for them to end their losing streak on the road. However, as the strongest underdog team last season, the Pacers have the potential to beat any opponent once they find their rhythm.

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