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2023-24 NBA Regular Season
Oklahoma City Thunder v Orlando Magic
Paycom Center
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Sunday 14 January 2024
Tip-off at 03:00
Oklahoma City Thunder will be looking to keep the heat on Western Conference leaders Minnesota Timberwolves when they host Orlando Magic at the Paycom Center on the morning of Sunday, January 14.
The Thunder have the third best record in the
NBA this season (24-11) and are just ahead of defending champions Denver Nuggets (26-12) in the race to finish as top seeds in the West.
Mark Daigneault's team snapped a two-game losing streak when they beat Washington Wizards 136-128 on January 9 to stay in touch with the Timberwolves (25-10).
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren scored 32 and 31 points respectively to get the Northwest Division outfit back on the winning trail, with Daigneault admitted they earned the result.
"I thought our intensity and how hard we played tonight was much, much better," Daigneault said. "And there were times in those other two games where we gave up a lot of unearned stuff. I didn't think much tonight was unearned."
The Magic started the New Year on a disappointing note after suffering three successive defeats, but they bounced back by beating Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks.
The fight is on in the Eastern Conference to qualify for the playoffs, with Jamahl Mosley's team sporting an identical record of 21-15 to Miami Heat (4th), Indiana Pacers (6th), Cleveland Cavaliers (7th) and New York Knicks (8th).
Suggested photo: Orlando Magic power forward Paolo Banchero
Paolo Banchero starred in the 117-110 victory over Atlanta Hawks on January 8, scoring eight of his 35 points in overtime, leading to praise from Mosley.
"He's a winner. He's going to find a way to help the team win," Mosley said. "This young man is growing more each game."
Jamahl Mosley's team
Head-to-head, Regular Season
Oklahoma City Thunder v Orlando Magic
Games played: 68
Thunder wins: 42
Magic wins: 26
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