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Golden State Warriors v Orlando Magic: Key Matchups and Analysis

By Gibson Lowenberg

MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 01: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors congratulates Klay Thompson #11 after making a three-point shot during the second half against the Miami HEAT at FTX Arena on November 1, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 01: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors congratulates Klay Thompson #11 after making a three-point shot during the second half against the Miami HEAT at FTX Arena on November 1, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins attacks Miami’s Max Strus. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins attacks Miami’s Max Strus. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The Golden State Warriors contest against the Orlando Magic may be decided by just a few key matchups.

The first matchup is the obvious forward clash between the Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins and Paolo Banchero of the Magic. Both of which are off to incredible starts to their respective seasons.

Wiggins is currently averaging 17.8 points, six rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting efficiently from the floor. It’s his defense that sets him apart though, and he surely has to be in consideration for a spot on the All-Defensive team this season.

Banchero is averaging 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. While his numbers may be better across the board, his efficiency is a few steps down from the Warriors’ All-Star. His lack of experience may also hinder his team tonight as he faces the defensive talent of Wiggins.

The second key matchup for the game is one of underrated big man — Kevon Looney and Wendell Carter Jr. will be two players to keep an eye on all night.

While neither player will really blow you away with their stats or any highlight plays, both do all the little things that make them great NBA players, and both are great starting options for any NBA team.

Looney is averaging 5.8 points and six rebounds per game, and although he may be off to a slow start after his stellar play in the postseason, he’ll be relied upon to get rebounds against the size the Magic have to throw at Golden State.

Carter Jr plays a larger role in his team’s offense, contributing 16.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on a night-to-night basis. If he can keep players like Wiggins and Looney from generating second chance opportunities, that will go along way to the Magic winning the game.

The final key matchup emphasizes the bench of both team — the Warriors bench is made up of mostly second and third-year players, whereas the Magic have more a few more experienced players.

The Warriors bench has really struggled to start the season, with the inexperience of James Wiseman particularly starting to bite them. However, in their game against the heat, Steve Kerr may have found some rotational fixes to help the bench succeed.

The Magic have mostly relied on their starters for contributions, but if they can go on a run against the poor defense of the Warriors second unit, they may be able to lead the Magic to a victory tonight.

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