Wizards' top shooting defense visits Magic missing Banchero, Suggs

The Washington Wizards (3-3) bring the NBA's stingiest shooting defense to Orlando on Monday, November 2, where the Magic (2-4) will be without Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs.

Opponents shoot an effective 48.2% against Washington, first in the league. Orlando ranks sixth in three-point rate, so the Magic's long-range volume runs straight into the defense that gives up the least.

The other end favors the Wizards. Orlando allows 115 points per 100 possessions, 25th in the league, and Washington ranks fifth in free-throw rate against a defense that sits 18th in keeping opponents off the line.

Orlando gives the ball away on 15.1% of its possessions, 25th, but the Wizards rank 29th in forcing turnovers, so that leak may not cost the Magic much.

The glass is where Washington is exposed. The Wizards rank 29th in offensive rebounding and 28th on the defensive boards, and Wendell Carter Jr. pulls down 8.8 rebounds a game for Orlando.

Anthony Davis leads Washington with 22.3 points and 9.2 rebounds a game. Trae Young runs the offense and averages 10.2 assists.

With Banchero out, Franz Wagner carries the Orlando offense. He averages 7.8 assists and 4.3 turnovers.

Banchero averaged 24.5 points in his two games. Suggs led the Magic with two steals a game. Noah Penda and Jonathan Isaac are also out, five Orlando players in all.

Washington has its own absences. Alexandre Sarr, who plays 25.4 minutes a game, is questionable, and so is Anthony Gill. Jamir Watkins, Justin Champagnie and Tristan Vukcevic are out.

The Wizards beat Charlotte 95-79 at home in their last game. Orlando lost 108-97 at home to Boston.

Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. ET. Sportsbook prices give Orlando a 56% chance to win; Keel's projection, built on the players available, sees it closer, at 51% for the Magic.