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The Orlando Magic are riding a five-game winning streak and will look to keep their hot streak going against the Phoenix Suns, who have dropped three in a row. The Magic have been stifling on defense during their run, holding opponents to just 89.4 points per game while shooting a blistering 84.2 percent from the free throw line.
Orlando's balanced attack has been key, with five players averaging double-figures. They're sharing the ball well, dishing out nearly 24 assists while forcing over 9 steals and 7 blocks per contest. Nikola Vucevic has anchored the defensive effort, grabbing almost 12 rebounds and swatting away 2.6 shots per game over the last five.
Meanwhile, the Suns have struggled on both ends. They're shooting just 42.5% from the field and 35.5% from deep during the skid, scoring only 108.4 points per game. Their defense has been even worse, allowing 117 points a night as opponents have gotten into the paint and to the free throw line with ease.
The Suns will need to get back to their season averages – 112.3 points per game on 45.9% shooting – to snap the losing streak. Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton have been productive, but Phoenix is turning the ball over too much (12.4 per game in the last 10) and not getting enough from their supporting cast.
With Orlando locked in defensively and executing at a high level, the Magic look primed to make it six straight wins unless the Suns can find their rhythm and protect the ball. Phoenix needs to rediscover its early season form to avoid falling further behind in a tight Western Conference race.