PHOENIX (Interstat) — The Orlando Magic will visit the Phoenix Suns in an NBA game Thursday at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz. Orlando brings a 2-5 record into the matchup, while Phoenix is 1-5. Both teams are looking to stabilize early in the season, and the meeting gives each side a chance to address recent struggles on both ends of the floor.

Orlando enters after a loss to Washington. Franz Wagner is the player to watch for the Magic. Wagner finished with 24 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists in the most recent game, and he has been a steady offensive presence throughout the early schedule. His recent performances include 14 points and 12 assists against Boston, 26 points and 11 assists at Toronto, 15 points and 5 assists at Toronto, 23 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists at New York, 18 points and 6 rebounds against Minnesota, and 22 points and 6 rebounds against Atlanta. Desmond Bane added 20 points in Orlando’s most recent game, and Wendell Carter pulled down 9 rebounds. The Magic have received productive minutes from their primary rotation but are still seeking a complete performance.

Phoenix enters after a loss to Portland. Devin Booker is the player to watch for the Suns. Booker scored 33 points in the most recent game and has carried a heavy scoring role for Phoenix. His recent performances include 26 points and 5 assists at Golden State, 20 points and 5 assists against Denver, 3 points and 7 assists at Oklahoma City, 43 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists against Golden State, and 23 points and 4 rebounds at Portland. Miles Bridges added 18 points and 7 rebounds in the most recent game, while Oso Ighodaro contributed 9 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. The Suns have had mixed results offensively and will look to Booker for shot creation and leadership against Orlando.

The matchup will feature Wagner and Booker as the central figures. Orlando will rely on Wagner’s scoring and playmaking, along with support from Bane and Carter. Phoenix will lean on Booker’s ability to create shots and draw defensive attention. The Suns will play at home, where they will try to set the tempo, while the Magic will aim to use Wagner’s versatility to keep the game competitive.

Both teams have upcoming games after the Thursday matchup, with Phoenix remaining at home for part of its next stretch and Orlando continuing a road-heavy portion of its schedule. The early-season setting gives both clubs an opportunity to build momentum.

Interstat’s game simulator projects Phoenix 111, Orlando 104. Interstat’s ELO system gives Phoenix a 53.7 percent probability to win.