Here's the latest regarding the health and status of the two teams heading into the contest:
Ingram's absence from action on Monday is not injury-related, Green said. According to a report from Jim Eichenhofer, it was a "collective decision" for Ingram to sit out versus the Magic.
The Orlando Magic were a surprise last season with 47 wins and a playoff appearance. The Magic enter year four under coach Jamahl Mosley. The Magic bring back the young core that made that success happen in Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr. and Paolo Banchero. The Magics key addition was Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who brings championship experience and timely shooting to the table. If Wagner and Banchero, especially, can take another leap, 40-plus wins in back to back seasons for the first time since 2010-11 is a realistic possibility.
The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off 49 wins and hope to make the playoffs in back to back years for the first time since the 2008-09 season. Willie Green enters his fourth year as head coach. The Pelicans made the move for Dejounte Murray, but they lost their post presence in Jonas Valanciunas. The Pelicans are an intriguing team in the West because a foursome of Murray, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson is as good as it gets. The Pelicans also still have Jose Alvarado and Herbert Jones off the bench. If Zion stays healthy and Ingram is committed, the Pelicans can make some noise. There’s serious potential.
This is a weird early start for a preseason game, so I wouldn't be surprised to see some sluggish play. The New Orleans Pelicans are getting the benefit of the doubt, I guess because they're at home, but it's the Magic who have won 7 of their last 8 preseason games. While they made the playoffs last year, the Orlando Magic are still a young team eager to prove that last season wasn't a fluke. This should be a tight game down the stretch. Give me the bucket with the Magic, a team that's been great in preseason action the last two seasons.
Orlando Magic Player to Watch: Paolo Banchero
Banchero was the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and immediately had a big impact. The Magic are hoping he can take another leap in Year Two, improving his shooting efficiency and solidifying his role as the team's go-to scorer. He averaged 20 points and 6.9 rebounds last year and should have a chance for more opportunities this year with the addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
New Orleans Pelicans Player to Watch: Dejounte Murray
Murray will be playing his first game with the Pelicans, after coming over in a trade from the San Antonio Spurs. The Pelicans will be looking for him to be their playmaker and lead their offense. He averaged 20.5 points and 6.1 assists last season and will be a key piece for a Pelicans team with playoff aspirations.
Orlando Magic vs. New Orleans Pelicans Prediction
The Magic and Pelicans will both be looking to get off to a good start in the preseason. The Pelicans have the home-court advantage, but the Magic have been playing well in preseason action. The Magic are a young team that’s eager to prove they’re not a one-hit wonder. The Pelicans also have some question marks to sort out. This should be a good game, but I'm giving the edge to the Magic.
The Magic's Preseason Momentum
The Magic have a lot of momentum from last season. The young players are hungry to prove that last season wasn't a fluke. With the addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, they should have more experience and shooting to go alongside their young core. The Magic have shown their ability to play well in preseason games, winning seven of their last eight games. The team’s eagerness to prove themselves will carry them to a preseason win.
The Pelicans' New Additions and Injuries
The Pelicans are an intriguing team, but they have some questions to answer. They added Dejounte Murray, but lost their starting center Jonas Valanciunas, so the new lineup will take time to gel. And they’ll be without sharpshooter Trey Murphy III, who suffered a right hamstring strain that could keep him out for the start of the regular season. Their ability to incorporate Murray and find chemistry will be key.
The Pelicans have a chance to be a good team, but I think the Magic are going to be a bit more ready and will have the edge in this game. Final prediction: Orlando Magic 110, New Orleans Pelicans 105.
This will be a great opportunity for both teams to test out their new lineups and see what they have in their young players. I’m excited to watch this game, and I think it will be a good indicator of what to expect from both teams going forward.
