Phoenix @ Orlando preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 10, 2017 ) Orlando 128, Phoenix 112

The Orlando Magic have dropped 15 of their last 18 games during another dismal season as they enter Saturday's matchup against the host Phoenix Suns. The campaign has been so dreadful for the Magic that speculation is running rampant that second-year coach Frank Vogel will be dismissed.

Orlando has been in a long funk since opening the season with an 8-4 record as it has won just 13 of its last 60 contests. The Magic were outplayed and outworked in Thursday's 118-98 loss to Philadelphia, and Vogel maintains that he isn't going to back off of his expectations no matter how tenuous his situation becomes. "Part of changing a losing culture is not giving in and not relenting in situations where the other team's kicking your butt," Vogel told reporters after his team trailed by as many as 35 points on Thursday. "So, to me, it was a good opportunity to challenge these guys and call something out that's been an issue for us." The Suns are sinking in even worse fashion with 10 straight losses and 25 in their last 27 games after Friday's 120-95 setback against Cleveland.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Arizona Plus, FS Florida (Orlando)

ABOUT THE SUNS (19-54): Devin Booker tested his injured right hand prior to Friday's contest before sitting out his third straight game. "Can't catch the ball. Can't throw a pass," interim coach Jay Triano said during his postgame press conference. "Hopefully, he'll be able to play (Saturday) night. We've got a lot of guys who are tired." TJ Warren (knee) also is questionable for Saturday's contest after sitting out each of the last two contests.

ABOUT THE MAGIC (21-51): Orlando recently re-signed Rodney Purvis to a second 10-day contract, and he was one of the few bright spots in the loss to the 76ers. Purvis scored 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting - going 3-for-5 from 3-point range - as he attempts to show the Magic he can be a contributor next season. "I was just trying to bring a lot of energy on the defensive end and create something on the offensive end," Purvis told reporters. "My teammates found me in good spots and I was able to make some shots."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. PF Aaron Gordon scored 22 points as the Magic posted a 128-112 road victory over the Suns on Nov. 10.

2. Phoenix PG Elfrid Payton will play against his former club for the first time since being dealt in early February after spending 3 1/2 seasons in Orlando.

3. Orlando rookie F Jonathan Isaac (left foot) hopes to return after sitting out Thursday, while SF Jonathon Simmons (wrist) likely will miss his third straight contest.

PREDICTION: Magic 112, Suns 109