Warriors vs Magic: Can Golden State Compete for 48 Minutes?

• The Warriors are trying to bounce back from a three-game losing streak.
• The Magic look for a win after returning winless from a two-game road trip.
• The Warriors and Magic split last year's season series, 1-1.

Golden State Warriors vs Orlando Magic Predictions and Picks

While the names associated with these teams suggest a one-sided matchup, both are coming off of a poor run of form. Offense, ball movement, and shooting are all in the Warriors' favor.

Picks:

Golden State Warriors def. Orlando Magic

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Head-to-Head: Golden State Warriors vs Orlando Magic

Injury Report

GSW: Can Golden State Compete for 48 Minutes?

The Golden State Warriors have been struggling through their last three games, most recently dropping their previous match to the Miami Heat. While they performed decently overall, it was in the fourth quarter that they faltered.

The Warriors rank ninth in the league in scoring, averaging 117.5 points per game. Despite shooting 46.4% from the field and 36.7% from three against the Heat, they lost the fourth quarter 15-30 while shooting 28.6% from the field and 20.0% from three.

It's rare that every Warriors player will struggle with their shooting in a game, and is unlikely to happen for two games in a row. However, in order for Golden State to compete against the length and perimeter defence of the Magic, they need to find easy baskets - likely in transition.

Warriors Key Player: (G) Jordan Poole

The Golden State Warriors have some intimidating offensive options in their starting five. However off the bench they need efficiency and leadership. All eyes are on Jordan Poole, whose big contract suggests he should be playing a bigger role in their success.

Poole struggled in the Warriors' last game, a loss against the Miami Heat. He posted 9 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in 29 minutes of play. He shot just 3 of 10 from the field and committed 5 turnovers, to go along with being a team-low minus-23.

In wins Poole is more of a distributor, averaging 6.0 assists per game versus 4.4 in losses. His offensive ability opens up more opportunities for his teammates and will be crucial to beating the Magic's long and unorthodox defence.

ORL: Orlando Must Find Some Scoring Punch

Orlando enter this game off the back of a 0-2 road trip that should have at least been a 1-1 run. They faltered late in their last game against the Thunder, as their offensive output dried up as the game went on. Against Golden State's fast-paced attack, the Orlando Magic need to keep up.

The Orlando Magic rank 27th in the league in offensive rating. They struggle to score the ball from three-point range, preferring to get good looks at the rim. With a number of injuries and not many offensive options, the best way for Orlando to change the game is with their rebounding.

Ranking seventh overall with 46.0 rebounds per game and sixth in defensive rebounding with 35.6 per game, the Magic have the advantage on the boards. If they can limit the Warriors' from three, where Orlando hold opponents to 33.8%, they can turn the tide by preventing second opportunities. It won't be a simple task for them.

Magic Key Player: (F) Paolo Banchero

The Orlando Magic are coming off of a disappointing loss in their last game, with star rookie Paolo Banchero surely shouldering some of the blame. While he put up a decent line overall, he faltered in the fourth quarter.

Banchero posted one of his more modest stat lines of the season, contributing 15 points, 8 rebounds, and a steal in 37 minutes of play. He struggled with his playmaking and his late performance though, committing 4 turnovers and shooting just 1 of 5 in the fourth quarter.

As a rookie, Banchero's late performance is something that comes with his inexperience. However against a tough Warriors team and a Defensive Player of the Year calibre player in Draymond Green, Banchero needs to be efficient with his contributions to help Orlando to victory.

How to Watch Golden State Warriors vs Orlando Magic

• Who: Golden State Warriors vs. Orlando Magic
• Where: Amway Center, Orlando, FL
• When: 7:00 PM EST, Thursday, November 3rd, 2022
• How to Watch: NBC Sports Bay Area, Bally Sports Florida, NBA League Pass (Stream)