Preview: Long Island Nets at Osceola Magic

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Interstat) — The Osceola Magic will look for a repeat performance when they host the Long Island Nets in a G League matchup Tuesday at Silver Spurs Arena, just three days after decisively winning the first leg of this two-game set.

The Magic (29-15) dominated the Nets 126-107 on Sunday, March 15, leveraging a potent offense that has been a hallmark of their successful season. Osceola has won seven of its last ten games and remains one of the top teams in the league standings.

Long Island (25-19), which had won three straight prior to Sunday’s loss, aims to regroup and salvage a split on the road. The Nets had been finding success behind a balanced attack but struggled to contain Osceola’s scorers in the recent meeting.

A key player to watch for Osceola is guard Lester Quinones, who is coming off a 20-point, 10-rebound, five-assist performance in Friday’s loss to Greensboro. Over his last ten games, Quinones has been a consistent offensive force, scoring 20 or more points eight times, including a 29-point outing on Feb. 26.

For Long Island, forward E.J. Liddell will be central to the Nets’ rebound effort. Liddell is averaging a near double-double over his last seven contests and is fresh off a dominant 36-point, 13-rebound game in a win at Greensboro on March 6. His interior presence on both ends will be critical against a high-scoring Osceola squad.

The Magic’s offense, which put up 134 points in a win over Maine on March 8, presents a significant challenge. Osceola averages 117.3 points per game in its victories this season. Long Island’s defense, which allows 112.9 points per game, must improve markedly from Sunday’s outing to have a chance.

Tuesday’s contest is the final regular-season meeting between the affiliates of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic. Following this game, Osceola begins a three-game homestand against Delaware on Friday, while Long Island travels to face Capital City on March 22.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT.