The Orlando Magic are set to conclude 2024 with a home game against the Brooklyn Nets on December 29 at 3:30 p.m. The Magic enter this matchup with a record of 19-14, aiming to halt a three-game losing streak after tough losses to the Miami Heat and New York Knicks. Conversely, the Nets have a 12-19 record, having lost three of their last four games. This season, the Magic have already defeated the Nets twice, including a sweep during a weekend series at the Barclays Center.
In terms of player availability, the Magic are facing significant injury challenges. Paolo Banchero will miss his 29th consecutive game as he undergoes return to competition reconditioning. Franz Wagner is out due to a torn right oblique, while Moe Wagner is sidelined for the season with a torn left ACL. Gary Harris, who recently returned from a hamstring injury, is now off the injury report.
On the Nets' side, Cam Johnson and Cam Thomas are both listed as probable for the game, while several players, including Bojan Bogdanovic, De'Anthony Melton, and Trendon Watford, are out due to various injuries. Thomas has been a key absence for Brooklyn, missing the last 13 games. The Nets are hoping to get Johnson back on the court after he missed a recent game due to a hip contusion.
