Following a convincing win over the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden Wednesday, the Orlando Magic are gearing up for a Friday night showdown with the Brooklyn Nets. 

The Magic are in pursuit of a victory that will make them 2-0 in the NBA Cup, and coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized the extra level of competition the Cup introduces. 

“I think it's big for our guys,” Mosley said pregame. “They talk about it. It's just an extra layer of competition. These are all competitive guys already. And so being able to have that result of being able to get the payout, the Vegas, all those things play a part in our guys and how they approach the game.  

“But more importantly, it's just taking care of home.” 

Orlando is 5-2 in its last seven games and top 10 in offensive and defensive ratings. Conversely, the 1-10 Nets are searching desperately for a win after losing three straight. Despite their struggles, Mosley is not defining the Nets based on wins and losses. 

“It sounds like the cliche line, but they're not the record,” Mosley said. “It's not indicative of how they play. I've said this before; Jordy [Fernandez] is an unbelievable coach. He's proven it time and time again, just being able to coach international basketball. Him getting the job there and the way they buy into the culture and what he's preaching.  

“They play hard, they play for each other, they play the right way. You have to be smart and know your personnel, because these are all guys that are very capable on any given night.” 

The Magic will also be without All-Star forward Paolo Banchero, who is nursing a left groin strain he suffered in Wednesday’s win. As a result, the onus on other players increases. 

“It's tough to find consistency when guys go out. But that's the important part of, you know, having it done by committee, that each guy that steps into whatever role they're asked to play, they play it to the best of their ability.  

“And I think whoever comes in for us tonight is going to be able to do that for us over the last seven games.” 

Fernandez understands that with Banchero out, the Nets will have to prepare for physicality, increased ball movement and less isolation from Orlando. 

“I mean, whether with him or not, we've got to make sure we protect the paint,” Fernandez said. “Very physical team. They get to the free throw line, and he won't play, so it's less ISO. That means that, you know, the ball has energy, and the ball is going to move more.”