NBA Preview on the 22nd: Lakers Seek Revenge on Magic to Chase 9-Game Winning Streak, Durant's Total Points Expected to Surpass Jordan

Ask AI · How does Luka Doncic lead the Lakers to avenge the Magic?

The NBA regular season 25-26 will feature 10 games on March 22, Beijing time. The Lakers will face the Magic on the road, with Doncic and LeBron leading the team aiming for revenge and a 9-game winning streak. The Rockets will play the Heat in a back-to-back, with Durant expected to surpass Jordan to move into 5th on the all-time scoring list. The Cavaliers will visit the Pelicans at home, with Mitchell listed as questionable; can Harden keep the winning streak alive? The shorthanded Warriors will face the Hawks in a back-to-back, can they end their losing streak against Atlanta?

Thunder vs Wizards (5 a.m.)

The Thunder continue their road trip, currently riding a 10-game winning streak and leading the league in record. The matchup is heavily skewed in favor of the Thunder, who lack only home-court advantage; they are dominant in all aspects. They might rest some starters before the game. Alexander remains a key threat with his aggressive drives and mid-range shooting, expected to extend his 20+ point streak and lead the team to an 11th straight win.

The Wizards are on a 14-game losing streak, their second such drought this season. If they lose two more, they will tie their longest losing streak in franchise history. Even with Sal returning, they seem unable to withstand the double-tower inside presence of the Thunder, and lack the defensive focus to contain Alexander, risking a collapse on both ends and possibly their 15th consecutive defeat.

Injury Report

Thunder: Carlson (out), Sobo (out), Jalen Williams (out)

Wizards: Black (out), Davis (out), Keion George (out), Trea Johnson (questionable), Lively (questionable), Russell (departed), Whitmore (out), Trae Young (out)

ESPN Win Probability: Thunder 95.2%, Wizards 4.8%

Grizzlies vs Hornets (7 a.m.)

The Grizzlies are playing a back-to-back, narrowly losing to the Celtics despite missing key players, with a 5-point deficit. Due to roster gaps, they lack rebounding and focus on small-ball, leveraging young players’ athleticism to push fast breaks. Facing the offensively skilled Hornets, stamina will be a challenge, especially on the road.

The Hornets have won 4 of their last 5, recently beating the Magic and Heat, climbing the standings. With weaker opponents, this is a prime chance to build a lead. They will rely on three-point shooting, ball movement without the ball, and creating open shots through players like Kessler and Brandon Miller to open up the game.

Injury Report

Grizzlies: Aldama (out), Popp (out), Clark (out), Edi (out), T. Gibson (probable), G. Jackson (probable), Meshek (out), Morant (out), Pippen Jr. (out)

Hornets: Sarran (out)

ESPN Win Probability: Grizzlies 22.7%, Hornets 77.3%

Lakers vs Magic (7 a.m.)

In their last meeting, the Lakers missed a game-winning shot and lost, sparking controversy over Doncic’s late-game blame. But since then, the Lakers have won 8 straight games under Doncic’s leadership, with LeBron finding a new role. Doncic needs to maintain his hot scoring, using outside shooting to open the floor, while LeBron continues to move without the ball, involving more teammates and finishing strongly to overwhelm the Magic. If Doncic can quickly set the pace, the Lakers are very likely to avenge the loss and extend their winning streak to 9.

The Magic have lost 3 straight, with defensive lapses allowing opponents’ key guards to control the game. They fear players like Doncic who can explode offensively, risking being pulled out of rhythm. They need Banchero’s size and Sugg’s pressure to limit Doncic’s space and cut off his connection with teammates.

Injury Report

Lakers: Koberbel (out), Reaves (questionable)

Magic: Black (out), Wendell Carter (questionable), Isaac (out), Wagners (out)

ESPN Win Probability: Lakers 54.8%, Magic 45.2%

Cavaliers vs Pelicans (7 a.m.)

The Cavaliers have been on a winning streak, though Mitchell missed the last game due to an eye injury. Harden scored 36 points with 7 rebounds and 9 assists, hitting key shots to prevent the Bulls’ comeback. With Jarrett Allen still out, inside defense and rebounding are issues. Containing Zion and Murray’s drives will be crucial. Harden needs to facilitate more, leading sharp outside attacks to stretch the Pelicans’ defense.

The Pelicans have won 3 straight after beating the Clippers, maintaining hope for the play-in. Since Murray’s return, they’ve gone 5-4, with three close losses, improving both offense and defense, and allowing Zion to attack more confidently. Murray and Zion must continue their inside pressure, helping Murphy and Sadiq Bae find better shooting opportunities.

Injury Report

Cavaliers: Allen (out), Mitchell (questionable), Proctor (out), Craig (out), T. Jones (questionable)

Pelicans: McGowens (out)

ESPN Win Probability: Cavaliers 70.2%, Pelicans 29.8%

Warriors vs Hawks (8 a.m.)

The Warriors face injuries, with Porzingis injured back in the game against the Pistons and out for the Atlanta game. Their rotation is thin, and with a back-to-back, fatigue is a concern. Historically, they have rested players in back-to-back games; if Coach Kerr rests multiple starters, they may suffer an 8-9 record in these games.

The Hawks also played a back-to-back, suffering a 34-point loss to the Rockets after being overwhelmed in the second and third quarters, ending their 11-game winning streak. They are wary of teams with similar size and offensive focus in the frontcourt. Jalen Johnson did not perform well against the Rockets and needs to find his rhythm again. At home, he must lead a strong offensive push to create advantages.

Injury Report

Warriors: Banchero (out), Clark (probable), Seth Curry (out), Curry (out), Horford (out), Mudi (out), Post (questionable), Porzingis (out)

Hawks: Cumming (out)

ESPN Win Probability: Warriors 30.6%, Hawks 69.4%

76ers vs Jazz (9:30 a.m.)

The 76ers continue their road trip, with four key players still out. Their offense will rely on players like Achiuwa and Greaves. In their last game, Achiuwa scored a season-high 38 points, leading a dominant attack and pulling away. He faces off against fellow 5th pick Bailey, aiming to keep his hot streak.

The Jazz, despite beating the Bucks last game, remain in a tough spot. Key frontcourt players are injured, and their only playmakers, Kessler and Colin Sexton, are out. Without effective offense, they risk losing control of the game. They must rely on individual efforts and quick ball movement to stay competitive.

Injury Report

76ers: Broom (out), Embiid (out), Paul George (suspended), Maxey (out), Ubrey (out)

Jazz: Collyer (out), Kessler (out), Jaren Jackson (out), Markkanen (out), Conchar (questionable), Nurkic (out), Sohan (out)

ESPN Win Probability: 76ers 70.1%, Jazz 29.9%

Bucks vs Suns (10 a.m.)

The Bucks have lost 4 straight, falling further from the play-in zone. Giannis’ continued absence weakens both offense and defense. Players like Miles Turner, Boti, and Kuzma are not strong rim protectors, making the team heavily dependent on shooting. Without a balanced attack and pressure on Booker, they risk more losses.

The Suns have also lost 4 straight, with three close games decided in the final moments, including a last-second shot by Wembanyama. With Mark Williams out, rebounding is a concern. If Booker cannot draw double teams and create space, their transition offense will suffer. How quickly they can open up outside will largely determine the game.

Injury Report

Bucks: Giannis (out), Harris (questionable), Kevin Porter (questionable)

Suns: Grayson Allen (questionable), Dillon Brooks (out), Kofi (out), Roy O’Neal (probable), Haysmith (out), Mark Williams (out)

ESPN Win Probability: Bucks 29.6%, Suns 70.4%

Author’s note: Personal opinions only, for reference.