Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

Where: Amway Center in Orlando, FL

When: Saturday, February 2nd at 7:00 PM EST

How (TV/Radio): Fox Sports Florida, YES | WFAN, FM 96.9 The Game

Brooklyn Nets (Away)

Head Coach: Kenny Atkinson {All-Time 76-140 | BKN}

The Brooklyn Nets have been putting on a show since 2019 began. Kenny Atkinson’s gameplay has come to fruition and it is led by D’Angelo Russell. With a record of 28-24 the Brooklyn Nets have a firm hold on sixth place in the East.

The Nets are on a tear. Over the last ten matches the Brooklyn Nets are an impressive 8-2 with a +0.3 point differential. While the majority of the Brooklyn Nets’ wins have come against sub-.500 squads, they were able to pull off wins against the Boston Celtics and the Houston Rockets.

The Nets will face off against and Orlando Magic team that they’ve already met once this month. In that match they won by a narrow four point margin. The Magic will surely be focused in order to not only stay in the playoff hunt but to avenge their previous loss.

Orlando Magic (Home)

Head Coach: Steve Clifford {All-Time 216-245 | CHA, ORL}

The Orlando Magic are struggling to stay relevant in the Eastern Conference playoff race. They’ve failed to establish themselves at home or on the road, resulting in their 20-31 record.

Over their last ten games the Magic are 3-7 with a point differential of -3.6. Currently on a four-game losing streak, the Magic hope to take a win from the Nets before they play four of their next six games on the road.

The last two matches between the Orlando Magic and the Brooklyn Nets have been incredibly close. Not only have each been decided by four points or less, but both teams have come within a shot of extending the game into overtime. The Magic will want to prove that they are a threat in the East when they meet the Nets for the final time this year.

What’s At Stake?

The Orlando Magic host the Brooklyn Nets in this Eastern Conference matchup. The Orlando Magic lead the all-time series 62-50 over the Brooklyn Nets.

The Brooklyn Nets have made an impressive climb since the beginning of the new year. A win for the Nets would keep them sixth in the Eastern Conference.

A win for the Orlando Magic would keep them eleventh in the East, but within a game of the Detroit Pistons in tenth.

Questions to answer

Is Dzanan Musa ready for a bigger role?

Can Terrence Ross bounce back against the Nets?

We are going to compare the Brooklyn Nets and the Orlando Magic in an attempt to see who has the advantage in this matchup.

Dzanan Musa Seems Recovered

A 6’9 shooting guard from Bosnia, Dzanan Musa is an incredibly interesting prospect for the Brooklyn Nets. Now that Spencer Dinwiddie is out and Musa seems recovered from a separated shoulder, he seems primed to make the jump back into the rotation.

Musa has been on a recovery assignment with the Long Island Nets, the Brooklyn Nets G-League Affiliate, and has been spectacular. Most recently Musa put his versatility on display against the Texas Legends. In 25 minutes for Long Island Musa posted 20 points, eight assists, and four rebounds.

Musa is a massive guard with the shooting ability to be relevant in today’s NBA. Whether or not he’ll live up to that potential will be up to him. However with the Nets’ current roster injuries, don’t be surprised to see the lanky Bosnian given a chance.

Ross Was 3-12 In The Last Match Against the Nets

Terrence Ross is without a doubt having the best year of his career. Unfortunately for the Magic, Terrence Ross was ice cold from the field in the last meeting against the Nets. Usually a deadeye shooter from range, Ross’ night was a blip on the radar.

Notable in the last loss to the Brooklyn Nets, Terrence Ross was one dimensional. His usage rate was as high as ever (21%) but he failed to show any versatility in his game as he jacked up three after three (66% 3PAr).

Terrence Ross is the Orlando Magic’s sixth man. They depend on him to not only facilitate the offence, but be the primary playmaker when things get tough for the reserve unit. Ross has been great in recent games so it’s unlikely that his production will take another dip, but the Nets will be aware of his willingness to settle for three-point shots.

Brooklyn Nets Roster Notes

G-F Allen Crabbe – 29 Jan 2019 – Day To Day (Knee) – Crabbe was ruled OUT for Tuesday’s (Jan 29) game.

G Spencer Dinwiddie – 26 Jan 2019 – Out (Torn Right Thumb Ligaments) – Dinwiddie will undergo surgery on Monday to repair torn ligaments in his right thumb.

F Jared Dudley – 29 Jan 2019 – Day To Day (Left Hamstring) – Dudley has been ruled OUT for Tuesday’s (Jan 29) game.

G Caris LeVert – 18 Jan 2019 – Out (Right Foot Dislocation) – LeVert worked out on the court before Friday’s (Jan 18) game but has yet to do 5 on 5 live action.

G Dzanan Musa – 25 Jan 2019 – Out (Shoulder) – Musa is making progress, but has not advanced to 5-on-5 work yet, according to Bryan Fonseca of NetsDaily.com. He’s been dealing with left shoulder subluxation.

Orlando Magic Roster Notes

G Isaiah Briscoe – 29 Jan 2019 – Day To Day (Right Ankle) – Briscoe was ruled OUT for Tuesday’s (Jan 29) game against the Thunder.

C Timofey Mozgov – 4 Jan 2019 – Out (Knee) – The Magic announced that Mozgov had surgery on his right knee. There is no timetable for his return.

Head-to-Head: DeMarre Carroll vs Terrence Ross

DeMarre Carroll

Small Forward | 6-8, 215lb (203cm, 97kg) | Missouri | Exp. 10 Years

11.0 PPG | 1.1 APG | 4.9 RPG | 0.4 SPG | 0.1 BPG | 1.1 TOV | .394 FG% | .346 3P%

Terrence Ross

Shooting Guard | 6-7, 206lb (201cm, 93kg) | Washington | Exp. 7 Years

14.0 PPG | 1.6 APG | 3.3 RPG | 0.9 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 1.1 TOV | .431 FG% | .376 3P%

The Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic will be letting loose their respective 3-and-D wing players on each other when they meet on Saturday evening. Demarre Carroll and Terrence Ross don’t only share common thread as former teammates with the Toronto Raptors, but they are looked upon as veteran leaders for their squads.

In his first full season as a bench player for the Brooklyn Nets, Demarre Carroll has maintained his effectiveness. It is no longer true that Carroll can play significant extended periods. His health is too questionable, but now in a smaller role Carroll has optimized his abilities. While his three-point percentage is slightly down from last season, he has become more economical with his shot selection to the success of the squad as a whole.

Terrence Ross is in a contract year and he is having the year of his career. Now 27 years-old, the former Sprite Slam Dunk Champion is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and field-goal percentage. Ross has been dynamite on the court for the Magic, in part due to his health as well as his new found motivation. When Ross is on the court, he is a threat from anywhere and on either end.

Brooklyn Nets at Orlando Magic Predictions and Odds

The odds makers have the Orlando Magic favoured over the Brooklyn Nets by 2, with an over/under of 110.