The Orlando Magic will host the Memphis Grizzlies on February 22, 2025, at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. This game promises to be an exciting matchup featuring a promising young team in the Magic, led by Paolo Banchero, and a Grizzlies squad that boasts one of the NBA’s most electrifying players in Ja Morant. With both teams fighting for positioning in their respective conferences, this game has playoff implications.

Date: February 22, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida
Live Stream: NBA League Pass, ESPN+

Game overview:

Team Comparison:

Orlando Magic:

• Record: 28-29
• Head Coach: Jamahl Mosley
• Key Players: Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr., Markelle Fultz

The Orlando Magic have been rebuilding with their young talent, and Paolo Banchero is undoubtedly their star. Banchero, who won the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year, has blossomed into a versatile forward, capable of scoring, rebounding, and facilitating for his teammates. Franz Wagner is another bright spot, providing steady scoring and playmaking ability.

However, the Magic have been inconsistent this season. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled to maintain their form, particularly in big games. Their offense will revolve around Banchero and Wagner, while their defense will need to focus on limiting Memphis’ transition game and stopping Ja Morant’s drives to the basket.

Memphis Grizzlies:

• Record: 36-19
• Head Coach: Taylor Jenkins
• Key Players: Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane

The Memphis Grizzlies come into this game as the favorites. Ja Morant is one of the most dynamic and explosive players in the NBA, and he’s capable of taking over a game at any moment. His ability to create offense for himself and others is a key part of Memphis’ attack. Alongside him, Desmond Bane has been a reliable shooter, especially from three-point range, while Jaren Jackson Jr. provides elite defense, making him one of the best shot-blockers in the league, where Memphis has a significant advantage.

The Grizzlies have become a championship contender. Their defense, spearheaded by Jackson, is among the best in the league, and Memphis’ offense can explode with Morant leading the charge.

Injury Report:

Orlando Magic:

• Jalen Suggs (Out) – Suggs has been dealing with a lingering ankle injury, and he will miss this game. His absence will hurt the Magic’s depth in the backcourt and could affect their perimeter defense.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Ja Morant vs. Paolo Banchero

This is the marquee matchup of the game. Ja Morant, a potential MVP candidate, is the engine of the Grizzlies’ offense. His speed, finishing ability, and creativity make him an elite scorer and playmaker. On the other hand, Paolo Banchero will look to match Morant’s energy as Orlando’s go-to scorer and leader. Banchero has shown he can take over games with his inside scoring and mid-range shooting. If he can keep up with Morant’s pace and limit his impact, Orlando has a shot.

Win Probability:

While Orlando has talent and plays hard at home, Memphis’ overall depth and the brilliance of Ja Morant give them the edge in this matchup.

Team Stats Comparison:

Player Stats Comparison:

Coaching Breakdown:

• Jamahl Mosley (Orlando Magic): Mosley has done a good job developing Orlando’s young talent, and while the Magic are still a work in progress, he has them playing competitive basketball. His biggest challenge will be finding ways to keep pace with Memphis’ fast and aggressive play, particularly with the absence of Jalen Suggs.

• Taylor Jenkins (Memphis Grizzlies): Jenkins has turned Memphis into a top-tier contender with his ability to integrate both young and veteran players into a balanced offensive and defensive scheme. He has done an excellent job of managing the rotation and keeping his team focused, especially with a superstar like Ja Morant leading the charge.

The Memphis Grizzlies enter this game as the favorites due to their dynamic duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., Orlando, while talented, especially with Paolo Banchero leading the charge, faces an uphill battle without Jalen Suggs. Memphis’ depth, star power, and defensive ability should ultimately win out, but the Magic will make it a fun, competitive game at home.

If the Magic can find a way to slow Morant and limit Memphis’ fast-break opportunities, they have a shot at an upset. However, Ja Morant’s speed and scoring ability will likely be too much for Orlando to handle in this one.

Prediction:

Final Score Prediction: Orlando Magic 106 – Memphis Grizzlies 112

Betting Line:

• Spread: Memphis Grizzlies -5.5
• Over/Under: 227.5

With Memphis favored by 5.5, this game should be relatively close, but Ja Morant’s ability to create offense could prove decisive late in the game. Expect a high-scoring affair with plenty of highlights!