
Orlando
(-4.5)

L.A. Clippers
(+4.5)
Highlights
Preview
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Interstat) — Two teams on opposite sides of the playoff bubble will meet Sunday when the Orlando Magic visit the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome. The Magic (29-26) enter the contest holding a narrow edge in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Clippers (27-29) are looking to gain ground in a crowded Western Conference race. Orlando arrives after a draining 113-110 double-overtime loss at Phoenix on Saturday, a game where Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane and Wendell Carter Jr. led the effort. Prior to that, the Magic had won four of their last five, including a dominant 131-94 road victory in Sacramento on Thursday. Los Angeles is coming off a narrow 125-122 road loss to the Lakers on Friday. The Clippers have shown resilience lately, however, winning five of their last eight games. Their success has been fueled by the stellar play of forward Kawhi Leonard, who is averaging 27.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists over his last 10 contests. Leonard dropped 41 points in a win over Minnesota on Feb. 8 and has scored at least 23 points in nine consecutive games. The Clippers will need Leonard’s high-level production to counter an Orlando squad that handed them a decisive 129-101 loss when the teams met in November. The Magic’s defense, which has been a cornerstone of their season, will be tested by Leonard and a Clippers offense that has topped 115 points in three of its last five outings. For Orlando, managing fatigue after a double-overtime game and cross-country travel will be a key factor. The Clippers, having been off since Friday, should have the rest advantage. This game carries significant weight for both clubs as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season, with each result critical for postseason positioning. The matchup tips off at 6:30 p.m. PST Sunday. Following this game, Orlando begins a two-game homestand against the Lakers and Rockets, while the Clippers will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday.