Orlando Magic @ Denver Nuggets
Spread: DEN -16.5
O/U: 212.5
Available Magic Players (eight)
Wendell Carter Jr.
Injuries
Nuggets
Monte Morris - IN
We saw what happened the last time -- literally yesterday -- that the Magic played short-handed. They lost by 50 to Utah. This Denver team is very good, just like Utah, so Orlando is in serious trouble. Here’s the thing, it’s hard to trust many Denver members because their starters won’t see the fourth quarter here and even most of the third. That makes me really interested in the Orlando side.
CPT/MVP
Obviously if this game stays competitive, Jokic has more upside than anybody on both of these teams. Maybe as much as anyone else in the league. He could have a triple-double by half, if we’re being honest. I will say, he hasn’t looked as great since the arrival of Aaron Gordon .
Wendell Carter Jr.
We know Carter is a talented kid, that’s why Orlando targeted him in a trade including their best player, and he’s showing the more he is unleashed. He’s now topped 30 minutes in each of the last two games and each contest has resulted in a double-double in which he’s put up 40 DKP. Both in tough match-up’s against Steven Adams and Rudy Gobert , so he’s prepared for another strong interior defense in Nikola Jokic . Carter leads the Magic in FP/min over the last five games at 1.24.
Last night’s game in Utah showed that Okeke is going to play big minutes regardless of outcome and he continues to produce each time out. He’s topped 28 minutes in five straight, 30 in four-of-five and has put up 28+ DKP in each of those games. His 1.03 FP/min average over that span is extremely intriguing for this showdown slate.
Mid-Tier
Michael Porter Jr.
This young kid has been in a really nice groove lately averaging 21.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 39.3 DKP/game over his last four. He has topped 30 DKP in 10 straight games and has a 30-point outing against the Magic already this year.
Who’s into revenge narratives? Gordon was drafted by the Magic and spent seven seasons with the team before being traded to Denver. He had his biggest game to date with the team last time out and you know he’ll be looking to show his old team what’s good this evening.
Even in a blowout loss, Ross played 26 minutes last night. His shot was not falling as he went just 2-for-11 from the floor, but we know he’s never seen a shot he doesn’t like and if it begins to fall, he’s really unstoppable sometimes. Ross should be this teams offensive leader on a nightly basis now that the ankle seems healthier. At least healthy enough he can play 26-plus minutes a night.
Value Tier
He has to be the top value of the slate. I’d even consider him a captain if you want to get crazy. He’s in the starting lineup and the only other point-guard on the roster -- Chasson Randle -- is limited. Hampton played 31 minutes on Saturday night and nearly double-doubled while putting up 28 DKP. Easily the top value on the board and likely the chalkiest.
With this game likely out of hand early, Campazzo should see plenty of garbage run. He’s already in the rotation for 20 minutes a night, but this could be one where he’s closing in on 30. He’s not always someone who’s looking for his offense first, but will set his teammates up well enough where he could find himself 10 assists when given the run.
Player News
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Stephen Curry has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain and is expected to miss at least a week.
Shams notes that Curry has already been ruled out for Game 2 on Thursday, but the week timeline means he’ll miss Game 3 on Saturday and Game 4 on Monday with a chance to return for Game 5 on Wednesday. This is the first muscle strain of Curry’s career, so how quickly he returns will depend on how he responds to rehab. Fortunately for Golden State, the team came away with a win on the road in Game 1, and two of the next three games will be at home, giving the Warriors a chance to stay alive while their superstar PG is out. Expect Buddy Hield to step into a much larger role on offense while Curry is sidelined. Hield has totaled 57 points across his last two games while stroking a blistering 14-of-18 shots from beyond the arc.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters Stephen Curry is day-to-day with a hamstring injury and will undergo an MRI on Wednesday.
Kerr relayed that Curry was “crushed” after being forced from the game due to injury. While Kerr described Curry as day-to-day, he also mentioned that the 37-year-old point guard will undergo imaging on Wednesday to determine the severity of the injury. There should be an update on his status at some point prior to Thursday’s Game 2 showdown. With the Warriors taking Game 1 on the road Tuesday, Kerr added that it’s hard to imagine Curry being available for Game 2 on Thursday. With Game 3 Saturday at Golden State, Curry could have more time to rest and recover.
Naz Reid had 19 points (8-of-14 FGs), five rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block and three three-pointers in Game 1 against the Warriors on Tuesday.
Reid briefly left the floor with an apparent leg injury towards the end of the second quarter before returning in the second half. The 25-year-old center played 34 minutes and was the second leading scorer for the Timberwolves in what turned out to be a lackluster game for Minnesota. Reid appeared healthy in the second half and should continue to be counted on for starter-level minutes despite coming off the bench.
Anthony Edwards had 23 points (9-of-22 FGs), 14 rebounds, two assists, three steals, one block and one three-pointer in Game 1 against the Warriors on Tuesday.
Draymond Green had 18 points (6-of-13 FGs), eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and four three-pointers in Game 1 against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.
Buddy Hield had 24 points (7-of-19 FGs), eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and five three-pointers in Game 1 against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.