The NBA weekend slate begins with a big cross-conference clash as the Phoenix Suns host the Orlando Magic on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at PHX Arena. This matchup matters because both teams are sitting around the play-in zone and trying to push into safer playoff positions. Orlando has been trending up with strong recent form, while Phoenix has struggled lately, and the biggest headline is Devin Booker being ruled OUT due to a hip strain.
This game also has a clear storyline: Can the Suns create enough scoring without Booker, and can Orlando continue its winning momentum on the road? The Magic come in confident after winning four of their last five games, while the Suns have dropped four of their last five. With injuries affecting rotations on both sides, the final outcome may come down to who executes better in the fourth quarter, who wins the rebound battle, and which team gets more clean looks from deep.
Match Details
| Match | Orlando Magic vs Phoenix Suns |
|---|---|
| Date | February 21, 2026 |
| Time | 5:00 PM ET (3:30 AM IST, Feb 22) |
| Venue | PHX Arena, Phoenix, Arizona |
| TV & Streaming | NBA TV, FDSFL, AZFamily, Suns+ |
Current Standings (2025-26 Season)
| Team | Record | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Suns | 32–24 | 7th (West) |
| Orlando Magic | 29–25 | 7th (East) |
Phoenix has a slightly better overall record, but Orlando has been the more in-form side recently.
Last Games & Recent Form
Phoenix has been on the wrong side of results lately, losing four of the last five. The Suns are also dealing with key absences, and Booker’s injury has become a major issue because he has missed multiple games since late January and is now set to miss another one.
Orlando has been playing better basketball, winning four of the last five. Their offense has looked more productive during this run, and they’ve been getting key contributions from their core players.
Head-to-Head (H2H) Trends
| Category | Trend |
|---|---|
| All-time record | Suns lead 41–30 |
| Recent meetings | Magic have won last 3 |
| Last 2 matchups | Magic 2–0 (and 2–0 ATS) |
Orlando has had the recent edge in this matchup and has shown they can handle Phoenix in close games.
Team Stats Snapshot
| Category | Suns | Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Points Scored | 113.3 PPG | 115.4 PPG |
| Points Allowed | 112.0 PPG | 114.9 PPG |
| Assists | 24.9 | 26.4 |
| Steals | 10.0 | 8.8 |
| Blocks | 4.0 | 5.1 |
Phoenix has the stronger defense and elite steals numbers, while Orlando scores slightly more and moves the ball better.
Also see: Nikola Jokic Leads Nuggets to Record 157-103 Win vs Trail Blazers
Key Players to Watch
Phoenix Suns
- Dillon Brooks: 21.2 PPG (major scoring load with Booker out)
- Collin Gillespie: 13.2 PPG, 4.7 APG
- Mark Williams: 12.1 PPG, 8.1 RPG
- Royce O’Neale: spacing and 3-point support
Phoenix’s scoring plan changes without Booker, so Brooks’ shot volume and efficiency become even more important.
Orlando Magic
- Paolo Banchero: 21.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 4.8 APG
- Desmond Bane: 19.6 PPG
- Anthony Black: 16.1 PPG, strong playmaking impact
- Wendell Carter Jr.: 11.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG
Banchero remains Orlando’s main engine, especially in half-court sets and late-game situations.
Injury Report (Updated)
Phoenix Suns
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Devin Booker | OUT | Hip strain |
| Grayson Allen | Questionable | Ankle sprain |
| Haywood Highsmith | OUT | Knee injury management |
| Cole Anthony | OUT | Not with team |
Orlando Magic
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Franz Wagner | OUT | Ankle sprain |
| Jalen Suggs | Questionable | Back spasms |
| Colin Castleton | OUT | G League |
| Alex Morales | OUT | G League |
The most important updates are Booker OUT, Wagner OUT, and Suggs questionable, which could swing guard pressure and perimeter defense.
Also see: Luka Doncic Shines as Lakers Beat Clippers
Odds & Betting Lines
| Market | Line |
|---|---|
| Spread | Suns -1.5 to -2.5 |
| Moneyline | Suns around -120 |
| Total | 218.5 to 219.5 |
Phoenix is a small home favorite, but the line is tight because Booker is missing.
Best Picks & Prediction
Main Prediction: Phoenix Suns to Win (Close Game)
Score Prediction: Suns 116 – Magic 111
Best Picks
- Suns -1.5 (if you trust home defense + steals to control key stretches)
- Over 218.5 / 219.5 (both sides have enough scoring options and trends point slightly toward the Over)
Props to Watch
- Paolo Banchero Over 22.5 points (high usage, strong matchup history)
- Dillon Brooks Over 22.5 points (Booker out increases his scoring role)
This is a tricky game because Phoenix is at home but missing Devin Booker, while Orlando has been the more confident team recently. The Suns still have a defensive edge and can create extra possessions with steals, which is why they remain a narrow favorite. Orlando’s best chance is to control the pace, win the rebounding moments, and let Banchero lead late. Expect a tight contest where the final five minutes decide everything.
