Dallas @ Orlando preview

Last Meeting ( Jan 9, 2018 ) Orlando 99, Dallas 114

The Orlando Magic are coming off one of their top performances of the season as they enter Wednesday's home matchup with the Dallas Mavericks. Orlando allowed its fewest points of the campaign in Tuesday's 97-73 road victory over the New York Knicks and gave up just 28 in the second half.

The impressive showing marked just the third time in the past 14 games that the Magic emerged victorious and the offensive prowess included 11 makes from 3-point range. "The 3-ball is a powerful weapon and we're just refining our shot selection to take the right one," Orlando coach Frank Vogel told reporters after the victory. "We had a dramatic difference in our patience from the last game." Dallas also produced a stellar performance on Tuesday when it knocked off the Portland Trail Blazers 115-109 for just its second win in the past 10 games. Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said that rookie point guard Dennis Smith (knee) will be held out against the Magic after recording 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists against Portland.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Dallas), FS Florida (Orlando)

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (24-54): Center Nerlens Noel turned down a four-year, $70 million contract in the offseason and later signed Dallas' qualifying offer of $4.1 million season in hopes of hitting it big as a free agent this summer. That gamble didn't pay off as he averaged just 4.4 points per game and his season came to an end on Tuesday when he was suspended for the final five games for violating the NBA's anti-drug program. "He was contrite," Carlisle told reporters of his conversation with Noel. "What I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt is this guy has been a terrific guy to be around."

ABOUT THE MAGIC (23-54): Small forward Mario Hezonja stood out by going 5-of-8 from 3-point range and had 19 points along with six rebounds in the victory over the Knicks. Hezonja has received a more extensive role since Evan Fournier was lost to a knee injury and Vogel is seeing impressive signs of growth from the 23-year-old from Croatia. "He always has those one or two plays that make you scratch your head a little bit but he's playing good basketball and he continues to grow," Vogel told reporters after Tuesday's win. "He's got a great attitude and a refreshing spirit."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Mavericks have won 10 of the past 12 meetings, including a 114-99 home victory on Jan. 9.

2. Dallas G J.J. Barea had 15 points in 21 minutes against Portland after missing four games due to personal reasons.

3. Orlando F Jonathan Isaac (sprained left ankle) sat out against the Knicks and is unlikely to play Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Magic 104, Mavericks 100