The Phoenix Suns play host to the Orlando Magic at Footprint Center on Thursday.

The Magic (28-41) have been better in the second half of the season, but they come into this matchup losing four of their last five games. The most recent defeat is the most embarrassing of the year, getting beat by a 19-win San Antonio Spurs team. San Antonio was also missing half of their starters in that game, and it was inexcusable for Orlando to take that defeat. The pieces are in play for this group to be better heading into next season. Markelle Fultz had a career year as the team's starting point guard, while Wendell Carter and Paolo Banchero look like a force in the frontcourt. They also have Franz Wagner on the wing, and one more young piece could make them a playoff contender this time next season.

The Suns (37-32) are struggling a bit right now, entering this matchup amid a three-game losing streak. This was one of the best teams in the NBA in the month prior, but it's easy to understand why they're losing games right now. Kevin Durant suffered an ankle injury last week, and this team has really struggled without him. While they've only played a handful of games with the superstar, it's the fact that they had to trade away Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson to get him. That means three key pieces are out right now, and it's leaving a lot of responsibility with Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul. Those three studs are capable of carrying the load, but this club better be careful because they're only three games up on the team in 10th place in the convoluted Western Conference.

These teams played back on November 11, with Orlando prevailing, 114-97. With that said, Phoenix won four of their previous five games in this series before that.