Anthony Black Takes Center Stage as Magic Face Tired Raptors Tonight
If you’re looking at tonight’s Orlando Magic versus Toronto Raptors matchup, this one quietly carries more weight than it might seem at first glance. On the surface, it’s just another regular-season NBA game, but once you dig in, there’s a lot going on with form, fatigue, and a young player who’s quickly forcing everyone to pay attention.
The Magic are still waiting to see their full roster healthy and firing together. Franz Wagner remains sidelined, and Jalen Suggs is listed as doubtful, which means Orlando continues to shuffle responsibilities. Even so, the team is coming in with confidence after a statement win over the Denver Nuggets. That victory was important, not just for the standings, but for belief. It was a reminder that even a shorthanded Magic squad can compete when the energy is right and the ball is moving.
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Much of that optimism has been driven by Anthony Black. Drafted sixth overall in 2023, he’s no longer being viewed as just a promising piece for the future. His recent performances have made it clear that a bigger role is being earned right now. A 38-point outburst against Denver turned heads, and while that kind of scoring explosion isn’t expected every night, his overall impact has been undeniable. His points, rebounds, and assists have been stacking up consistently, and his confidence with the ball has been obvious.
What stands out is how his game shows up across the box score. The scoring has been steady, with 20 or more points becoming the norm rather than the exception lately. His shooting from deep has been respectable, but it’s his rebounding that really separates him. For a guard, he’s been elite on the glass, regularly pulling down six or more boards. With Toronto still missing Jakob Poeltl, that edge could be magnified tonight.
On the other side, the Raptors are dealing with a different challenge. They’re coming off a draining overtime win, and that kind of effort tends to linger, especially in back-to-back situations. Toronto has struggled in those spots recently, and the fatigue factor can’t be ignored. RJ Barrett is also expected to remain out as the team manages his return, which puts even more pressure on the remaining core.
Immanuel Quickley has been vital as a playmaker, and Scottie Barnes continues to be the heartbeat of the team, but the margin for error feels thin. If turnovers creep in or legs look heavy late, Orlando is well-positioned to take advantage.
All signs point to a competitive game, but one where freshness, energy, and a rising star could make the difference. If Anthony Black continues his breakout run, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Magic walk out of Toronto with another important win.
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