Cavaliers Aim for Eighth Straight Win Against Magic

ORLANDO, Florida — On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the Orlando Magic will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Kia Center, aiming to upset the league-leading Cavs in an Eastern Conference showdown. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on TNT.

The Magic, currently standing at 29-30, are fighting for playoff positioning, trailing in seventh place in the Eastern Conference. They are coming off a decisive 110-90 victory over the Washington Wizards, during which Franz Wagner scored 23 points. This win has revitalized the team, which is now 5-3 after a challenging stretch marred by injuries.

“We are getting back to our winning ways,” said Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley. “The guys are building confidence, and we are competing hard.” In their last eight games, the Magic have improved their scoring average to 108.5 points per game, slightly above their overall season average of 104.3 PPG. They have also fortified their defense, allowing just 104.4 PPG, ranking second in the league.

The expected lineup for the Magic features: Cole Anthony at point guard, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope at shooting guard, Franz Wagner at small forward, Paolo Banchero at power forward, and Wendell Carter Jr. at center. However, the Magic will be without Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner due to injuries.

The Cavaliers, boasting a record of 47-10 and riding an impressive seven-game winning streak, are looking to extend their lead in the Eastern Conference. Their prior victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, where Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points, adds to their overall offensive prowess, averaging 122.9 points per game this season. The Cavs also excel at shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 16.1 three-pointers per game with a league-leading efficiency of 39.1%.

“Our offense is clicking, and we are playing great defensive basketball too,” Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff noted ahead of the matchup. The team’s defense has allowed just 111.7 points per game, placing them tenth in the league.

The anticipated starting five for the Cavaliers includes Darius Garland at point guard, Donovan Mitchell at shooting guard, Max Strus at small forward, Evan Mobley at power forward, and Jarrett Allen at center. Garland and Javonte Green are game-time decisions due to injuries.

While the Magic have shown marked improvement on defense, allowing fewer than 108 points in four straight games, they will face a significant challenge against a Cavaliers team that has surpassed 128 points in five of their last six games. The matchup is expected to yield a far lower scoring total than the Cavs are typically accustomed to, with predictions estimating a combined score between 220-230 points.

Key player bets include Wagner projected to score over 26 points and Wendell Carter Jr. expected to grab at least 8 rebounds. Conversely, analysts predict Donovan Mitchell may be held under 24 points against the Magic’s defense.

“They present a formidable challenge,” Mitchell remarked, referencing the Magic’s strong defensive record. “We have to execute our game plan and make smart decisions.”

This matchup marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season, and it carries significant playoff implications for both franchises. The Cavaliers aim for continued dominance, while the Magic seek to improve their standing as the season progresses.

As both teams prepare for this critical contest, anticipation grows for what promises to be an intense showdown, highlighting the duality of strength in offense and defense on the court.