Preview: Suns Visit Magic in Key Late-Season Matchup

ORLANDO, Fla. (Interstat) — Two teams jockeying for playoff position will meet Tuesday night when the Phoenix Suns visit the Orlando Magic at Kia Center.

The Suns (41-33) arrive after a dominant 134-109 victory over Utah on Saturday, which snapped a three-game skid. The Magic (39-35) are looking to rebound from a lopsided 139-87 road loss to Toronto on Sunday, a defeat that halted a brief two-game win streak.

With only a handful of games remaining in the regular season, the contest carries weight for the postseason picture. Phoenix currently holds a two-game edge over Orlando in the overall standings.

A marquee backcourt matchup will feature Phoenix’s Devin Booker against Orlando’s Jalen Suggs. Booker is averaging 28.4 points and 6.2 assists over his last 10 games, including a 43-point performance against Indiana on March 12. He scored 26 points with eight assists in just 27 minutes in the win over Utah.

Suggs has been a steady two-way presence for the Magic, averaging 13.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists over the same 10-game span. He scored a season-high 28 points against Washington on March 12.

The teams last met on Feb. 21 in Phoenix, with the Suns escaping with a 113-110 double-overtime victory.

For Phoenix, consistency has been elusive. Following their recent win, they are 4-6 in their last 10 contests. The Magic have struggled more, going 3-7 over their last 10 games, including Sunday’s 52-point loss where they allowed 139 points.

The Suns’ supporting cast showed its potential in the Utah win, with Jalen Green adding 31 points and Oso Ighodaro contributing 13 points and eight rebounds. Orlando will need a collective defensive response after Toronto shot 58.8% from the field against them.

Following this game, Phoenix begins a three-game road trip at Charlotte on Thursday. Orlando continues a three-game homestand Wednesday against Atlanta.