Orlando @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Jan 6, 2019 ) Orlando 96, L.A. Clippers 106

The Los Angeles Clippers strive to defeat Orlando for the 12th consecutive time when they host the Magic on Thursday. Los Angeles has recorded four wins by 20 or more points during the stretch with Orlando's last win coming Nov. 6, 2013.

The Magic will come in brimming with confidence after slaying the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers 119-118 on Wednesday for their sixth win in the past eight games. "It's huge," point guard Markelle Fultz said in a postame television interview. "I think we got a whole team effort. We got it together. Everybody stepped up. It was big." The Clippers have won five of their past seven games after rolling to a 128-103 home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. Star forward Kawhi Leonard scored 43 points in three quarters for his second 40-point effort of the season while falling two points shy of his career high.

TIME: 10:30 p.m. ET. TV: FS Florida, FS West, NBA TV Canada

ABOUT THE MAGIC (20-21): Fultz recorded 21 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his second career triple-double and the rebound total was a career high. "Just being aggressive," Fultz said of his big outing. "We were down a couple guys so I had to be aggressive. When I get a chance for a bucket, I go get a bucket. When I see my teammate open, I try to get them the ball. That's what happened." Orlando's backcourt was thin - and could be again Thursday - as shooting guard Evan Fournier (quadriceps) was ruled out shortly before game time and point guard D.J. Augustin (knee) sat out for the second time in three games.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (28-13): Los Angeles reached the midway point of its schedule with the fourth best record in the Western Conference and Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, is trying to keep his teammates focused on the present and not looking toward the postseason. "We just can't be in a rush," Leonard told reporters. "That's what I'm (telling them). Just be patient. It's hard to win a championship. The pressure isn't even on us now. Just enjoy the process and have fun." Guard Lou Williams scored 24 against Cleveland for his sixth straight 20-point effort and is averaging 24.8 points during the stretch.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Magic C Nikola Vucevic averaged 19 points and 17.5 rebounds in the two matchups with Los Angeles last season and collected a season-high 24 rebounds in the second meeting.

2. Orlando wing Wesley Iwundu received 32 minutes versus the Lakers with Fournier sidelined and scored a career-best 19 points.

3. Los Angeles F Paul George (hamstring) will likely miss his fourth straight game.

PREDICTION: Clippers 126, Magic 109