ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Magic will look to defend home court and extend their winning streak to five games on Wednesday when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers.  

The Magic dropped the first two games of the regular season series when the two teams had consecutive meetings in January. Since then, the Cavs’ roster has undergone a makeover that featured the additions of James Harden, Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. 

Before the game, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley talked about the matchup problems that Harden presents for his team. 

“I mean, you're not stopping a guy like that,” Mosley said. "There's a reason why he is where he is on the all-time scoring list and even the assist list, because he knows how to take the game apart. You're up too high, he's going by you. 

You're back too far, he's shooting it. In that middle ground, he finds the pocket for the big, and then he sprays out. They've got shooters all around him.” 

For Mosley and the Magic, it is not about stopping Harden but limiting him.  

“So, mixing up the defenses, there's nothing he hasn't seen, so we've just got to be physical with him but be smart about it because he does do a great job drawing fouls. All those pieces are going to be necessary. But guys like that, you're not going to necessarily stop what they do.” 

The Magic did not make the same significant additions at the trade deadline — with the trade of Tyus Jones to the Charlotte Hornets and the signing of Jevon Carter as the only moves. Yet, they are a different team after the All-Star break; going 7-3 and claiming the top defensive rating in that span. 

A lot of Orlando’s recent success can be attributed to the play of Paolo Banchero, who is averaging 27 points over his last seven games.  

“I think post-All-Star break, he's been just dynamic in his ability to get downhill, attack the basket, quick decisions,” Mosley said. “I think one of my coaches just sent some stuff over what he's been able to do since the break, and he's in a class of only about five other people. And I think that says a lot about his transition of being able to just lock in and focus to a higher level.  

“But I say this so cleanly, he's done an unbelievable job of taking on every defensive challenge since the break. He's wanted to guard any matchup that is the guy on the other team. He's taken that on, and that just changes our team and our dynamic and takes it to a different level.” 

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