The Brooklyn Nets play host to the Orlando Magic at Barclay's Center on Wednesday.

The Magic (20-27) come into this matchup losing seven of their last 10 games, as they are steadily falling out of playoff contention. What's really killing this team is their inefficient offense, with Orlando sitting 27th in points scored. That obviously won't get it done and it's a wonder how they're that bad with Nikola Vucevic playing the way he is. In fact, Vucevic is leading this team with 20.5 points and 12 rebounds per game, as he'd be a guaranteed all-star if his team were a little better. Aaron Gordon's status is a huge factor as well, as he comes into this game questionable due to a back issue. Losing an offensive piece like that is bad for any team, let alone one who already struggles on that end of the floor.

The Nets (25-23) come into this matchup winning four-straight and eight of their last 10 games in total. That streak extends much longer than that too, with the Nets posting a 17-5 record across their last 22 games. That's the best stretch this franchise has had in a long time and it's a testament to how much they've grown. Players like D'Angelo Russell, Jarrett Allen and Spencer Dinwiddie have taken huge jumps this season and it's gotten this team back into contention. Russell has been the star of the show though, as he's averaging 23.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game across his last 13 fixtures. That includes an absolute dud against the Celtics too, as he's playing the best basketball of his career right now. The return of Caris LeVert is exciting too, as he was the Nets best player in the opening month of the season. When he eventually returns from his ankle issue, this club will finally be at full strength, which is a scary sight for opponents with all the young pieces they possess.

These teams played last week in Orlando, with Brooklyn prevailing, 117-115. That was a meltdown for the Magic, as Brooklyn outscored them, 31-20 in the fourth quarter. D'Angelo Russell matched his career-high with 40 points in that victory.