Pelicans at Magic
Two teams looking to make the big leap from bottom-tier to playoff contention square off in search of their first victory when the Orlando Magic host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. The squads combined for just 47 wins a year ago - and both finished at the bottom of their divisions - but they're beginning to assemble some exciting players. The teams split a pair of matchups last season, but New Orleans has won four of the past five and seven of the past 10.
The Pelicans opened the season with an impressive effort in defeat, falling 95-90 to Indiana on Wednesday after leading by 16 points. "We didn't give it away, they took it," New Orleans coach Monty Williams told reporters. "I don't think we had understanding of the moment in the fourth quarter." The Magic look forward to their home opener after a rough road trip to start the season, losing 97-87 at Indiana on Tuesday and 120-115 in overtime at Minnesota on Wednesday.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN New Orleans, FSN Florida (Orlando)
ABOUT THE PELICANS (0-1): New Orleans has assembled a high-scoring backcourt by adding Jrue Holiday to complement Eric Gordon, and the duo combined for 49 points in the opener. That tandem gives the Pelicans a nice inside-out combo along with second-year forward Anthony Davis, who recorded his 21st career double-double with 20 points and 12 boards against the Pacers. The youthful Pelicans have to learn how to finish, though - they allowed 36 points in the fourth quarter after leading Indiana for most of the game.
ABOUT THE MAGIC (0-2): Orlando had the worst record in the league a year ago but has been competitive in its first two games, both against quality opponents. The Magic are going to struggle at the defensive end at times, but they have some talented, young players who can score in bunches. Center Nikola Vucevic is a budding star after averaging a double-double last season and is off to another good start, and rookie Victor Oladipo has scored in double figures in his first two professional games.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Orlando is 17-7 all-time in home openers and has won 12 of the last 15.
2. New Orleans was plus-6 on the boards against Indiana - and plus-9 on the offensive glass - but held just a 10-7 advantage in second-chance points.
3. Pelicans F Ryan Anderson missed the opener and is expected to be out from one-to-three weeks with a fractured toe.