The Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers all trail 2-0 in their first-round playoff series. They all head home for a trio of Game 3s on Thursday night in the NBA playoffs. The Knicks lead the Sixers. The Cleveland Cavaliers lead the Magic and NBA champion Denver holds the edge on the Lakers.
New York Knicks’ Isaiah Hartenstein, right, defends against Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid during the second half of Game 2 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Monday, April 22, 2024, in New York . Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, right, talks to Tyrese Maxey, center, and Joel Embiid , left, during the second half of Game 2 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, Monday, April 22, 2024, in New York .
Orlando was abysmal from the field in Games 1 and 2, shooting a combined 34.3% while making just 17 of 65 3-pointers . Worse, the Magic, who entered the playoffs with the worst offense statistically of any team in the field, are missing open, uncontested shots.LeBron James rants at NBA’s replay center for calls, Lakers lose on buzzer-beater, trail Denver 2-0Being back on their home floor will help, and Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff expects the Magic to up the physicality.
“It feel likes it’s been forever since we played here,” Lakers star LeBron James said. “Hopefully are excited because we’re looking forward to it.”— NEED TO KNOW: The Knicks played like a team headed toward a sweep in the first two games in New York. The Nova Knicks -- former Villanova Wildcats Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo -- can expect an unhappy crowd for their Game 3 homecoming. There are 2016 and 2018 national championship banners in the Wells Fargo Center rafters.
— KEEP AN EYE ON: The Wagner brothers. Orlando’s toughness starts with Franz and Moritz, who play hard and often on the boundaries of what might be considered dirty. They set the tone for the Magic and will undoubtedly be looking for any way to fire up their teammates and the home crowd.the second half in Game 2 despite suffering what appeared to be a serious left knee injury. Suggs is Orlando’s best on-ball defender and the Magic can’t afford to be without him.
Orlando Magic NBA Playoffs Philadelphia 76Ers Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Sports NBA Basketball Donte Divincenzo Orlando Lebron James New York Josh Hart J.B. Bickerstaff Joel Embiid Deanthony Melton Jalen Brunson
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