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Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic (Image via Getty)
The Brooklyn Nets visit the Kia Center on Thursday to face the Orlando Magic in an Eastern Conference matchup between teams in very different positions. Brooklyn sits at the bottom of the standings, while Orlando is trying to stay in the playoff picture.Injuries will influence this game. The Nets are missing their leading scorer, and the Magic will be without one of their main forwards. Recent meetings, team trends, and available depth provide a clearer sense of what to expect.
Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic Injury report (February 5, 2026)
Brooklyn Nets (13-36, 15th in East)
Brooklyn Nets has five players ruled out and no game-time decisions. Cam Thomas is out for personal reasons, removing the team’s primary scoring threat. Haywood Highsmith is still recovering from right knee surgery and is not close to returning.
Tyson Etienne, Chaney Johnson, and E.J. Liddell are unavailable due to G League two-way assignments, leaving the Nets with limited depth at guard and forward.With no questionable players listed, the rotation is mostly set, though short.
Orlando Magic (25-24, 7th in East)
Orlando Magic will also be without two players but does not have any uncertain statuses.Franz Wagner remains out with a left high ankle sprain, affecting the team’s scoring, playmaking, and defensive flexibility.
Colin Castleton is unavailable on a two-way assignment, reducing depth behind Wendell Carter Jr. and Bol Bol.Paolo Banchero is expected to carry more of the offense, while Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony should take on larger ball-handling roles.
Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic Head-to-head history and season outlook
Orlando leads the all-time regular-season series with 77 wins to Brooklyn’s 60 across 137 games, helped by strong runs in the 2000s and early 2010s.The teams have already played at least once this season, with Orlando generally controlling the matchup.
Defense, rebounding, and transition scoring have helped the Magic create separation in competitive games. With Brooklyn again missing Cam Thomas, Orlando enters this contest in a stronger position.
Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic Team stats entering February
Brooklyn Nets: Offense present, defense struggling
Brooklyn averages about 113-115 points per game while shooting roughly 45-46% from the field. The offense relies heavily on three-point attempts, producing around 15 makes per game at about 35%.Defense has been a consistent problem. Opponents score approximately 125-128 points per night, and the Nets rank near the bottom of the league in defensive rating.
Transition defense and second-chance coverage remain areas of concern.Without Thomas, half-court scoring becomes harder, often shifting responsibility to Nic Claxton and supporting guards who have been less efficient.
Orlando Magic: Balanced production with defensive strength
Orlando scores around 114-116 points per game on 47-48% shooting. The team averages about 13-14 made threes at a 35-36% rate but generates much of its offense inside and on the break.The Magic allow roughly 110-112 points per game and rate well defensively.
Carter Jr. and Bol Bol help control the boards and protect the rim, giving Orlando a steady defensive base.
Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic Key matchup factors
Brooklyn’s guards vs Orlando’s perimeter defenseWith Thomas unavailable, the scoring burden moves to available guards such as D’Angelo Russell, along with rotation players like Ryan Dunn or Jordan Walsh. Suggs and Anthony will try to pressure ball handlers, limit drives, and force difficult shots while Orlando looks to run after turnovers.
Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic Interior play
Nic Claxton faces a physical challenge against Carter Jr. and Bol Bol. Orlando’s size could lead to an advantage on the glass and create extra possessions.
Rotations
Brooklyn is likely to rely on a tighter lineup because of injuries. Orlando has more flexibility and can stagger minutes to keep its main players fresh late in the game.
What could decide the game
Brooklyn’s offense without Cam Thomas will be a major factor. Shot creation and efficiency will determine whether the Nets can stay close.Orlando’s transition play is another area to watch. If the Magic force mistakes and convert quickly, they can build a lead against a defense that has struggled most of the season.Rebounding may shape the flow of the game. Controlling the glass and limiting second chances usually leads to better tempo and shot selection.
Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic Quick reference table
| Category | Brooklyn Nets (2025-26) | Orlando Magic (2025-26) |
| Record (as of early Feb. 2026) | 13-36 | 25-24 |
| PPG | ~113-115 | ~114-116 |
| FG% | ~45-46% | ~47-48% |
| 3P% | ~35% | ~35-36% |
| Opponent PPG | ~125-128 | ~110-112 |
| Key injury (Feb. 5) | Cam Thomas - OUT | Franz Wagner - OUT |
Orlando enters the matchup with advantages in defense, rebounding, and overall depth. Brooklyn likely needs efficient shooting and timely defensive stops to stay competitive, but the Magic appear better positioned heading into February 5.

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