Preview: Osceola Magic at Santa Cruz Warriors

BONNY DOON, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Osceola Magic squad will look to capitalize on a struggling opponent when they visit the Santa Cruz Warriors in a G League matchup on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, at Kaiser Permanente Arena.

The Magic (9-7) enter on a relative high, having snapped a four-game skid with a 119-112 home victory over the Mexico City Capitanes on Monday. Forward Alex Morales posted a double-double in that win with 14 points and 11 rebounds, continuing a stretch of consistent all-around play. Over his last seven games, Morales is averaging 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists per contest, serving as a key facilitator for Osceola.

He will be matched against a Santa Cruz forward in strong form. Malevy Leons is coming off a 20-point, six-rebound performance in the Warriors’ (3-13) 108-100 home win over the Noblesville Boom on Sunday. That victory ended a six-game losing streak for Santa Cruz, which had previously secured a blowout 143-119 road win against Delaware on Dec. 19. Leons averaged 17.3 points over his last four games, providing a bright spot in a difficult season.

The teams’ records paint a stark contrast. Osceola has been competitive, with its losses in December coming by an average margin of just 6.2 points, including three tight defeats to Memphis. Santa Cruz, meanwhile, has struggled to find consistency, though its two recent wins suggest a potential turnaround.

The Magic’s offense, which has scored 119 or more points in five of its last seven outings, will test a Warriors defense that has allowed 112 points or more in 10 of its 16 games this season. Osceola’s balanced attack was on display against Mexico City, with Lester Quinones and Phillip Wheeler each adding 27 points alongside Morales’ double-double.

This game is the first of a quick home-and-home set, with the same teams scheduled to meet again in Santa Cruz on Sunday. For the Warriors, protecting their home court is critical as they seek to build momentum. For the Magic, it’s a chance to solidify a winning record against the league’s bottom team before a challenging New Year’s road swing.