A strong cold front swings through Central Florida starting tonight, but the main impacts will be felt across the region tomorrow, making Sunday an impact day. FOX 35 Meteorologist Laurel Blanchard has the timeline of the storms and the potential for severe weather to wrap up the weekend.
ORLANDO, Fla. – Widespread rain is starting to move in ahead of a strong cold front that brings the chance of severe weather on Sunday.
There is a marginal risk for the potential of a stronger thunderstorm in the northwestern parts of the viewing area.
Tonight, expect cloudy skies and temperatures dropping into the mid 60s. Winds also will start to pick up tonight.
Prepare for impact day
Sunday, a strong cold front will swing through Central Florida.
There is a marginal risk for the potential of a stronger thunderstorm in most of the viewing area. The main threats include gusty winds and heavy rain at times.
However, there is the potential for a few stronger storms and a quick spin up (chance is very low, but not zero).
Showers will taper off on Sunday night, and the cold air invades Central Florida.
We are looking at highs around 20 degrees cooler, with the highs dropping back down to the 50s to start off the workweek.
Winter weather?
There also is potential for an impact day on Wednesday.
A low pressure system will start to organize off the coast of Texas, picking up moisture with the warm air from the gulf.
This will interact with the arctic air surging down into the Southeast from this weekend’s cold front and will bring the potential for snow and freezing rain into the deep south and Florida.
Areas of our WOGX counties could see the potential for icing and freezing rain.
It’s still too early to really pinpoint how far south the freezing potential will be at the moment, but be prepared for roads to be very slick up the I-75 corridor.
Orlando 7-Day Weather Forecast
Orlando Hour-by-Hour Weather Forecast
FOX 35 Storm Tracker Radar and Live Weather Cameras
Track live when storms move across your area using the FOX 35 Storm Tracker Radar below. You can also watch as heavy rain moves across Central Florida on our Live Weather Cameras’ page here.
Orlando weather update: Widespread rain moving in, strong cold front ahead – Is snow on the way?
Residents of Orlando, get ready to grab your umbrellas and rain boots because a widespread rain system is moving into the area. The soggy weather is expected to stick around for the next few days as a strong cold front approaches.
But the big question on everyone’s mind is: could we see snow in Orlando? While it’s highly unlikely for snow to fall in the Sunshine State, the arrival of a strong cold front does bring the possibility of some wintry precipitation in central Florida.
Meteorologists are keeping a close eye on the forecast to see if the conditions align for any snow flurries to make an appearance. While it’s still too early to tell if we’ll see any snow, it’s always exciting to dream of a winter wonderland in Orlando.
In the meantime, be sure to stay updated on the latest weather alerts and advisories, and stay safe on the roads as the rain and potential cold weather move in. And who knows, maybe we’ll get lucky and see a few snowflakes fluttering down in Orlando. Stay tuned for more updates on the weather situation in the coming days.
The Celtics return home from a miserable performance in Toronto, taking on the Orlando Magic for the second time this season. The first matchup between the two came on Dec. 23, when a shorthanded Orlando team pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 108-104 win.
The Celtics are 6-4 in their last 10 games and 4-3 in the month of January, most recently getting outplayed by the 10-31 Toronto Raptors in a 110-97 defeat on Wednesday. The Celtics remain six games back of the first-seed Cleveland Cavaliers, but hold a two-game advantage over the three-seeded New York Knicks.
The Magic, meanwhile, have managed to stick around in the playoff race despite injuries to multiple rotation players and their two primary scoring options in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Banchero returned to action on Jan. 10 after a two-month absence, with the Magic going 1-2 in his games back on the floor. They currently hold the five-seed in the Eastern Conference standings.
Injury News
The Celtics have a clean bill of health entering tonight’s matchup.
Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Gary Harris have all been out for significant stretches, while Goga Bitadze will be missing his second straight game after entering concussion protocol.
Key Matchups
Paolo Banchero vs. Jayson Tatum
In his first three games back in the lineup after an oblique strain, Paolo Banchero has played a smaller amount of minutes compared to his usual time on the floor, but the Duke product has still maintained that aggressive battering-ram play style that’s made him one of the top young talents in the league. He’s currently averaging 25.3 points per game in his three games back, while shooting 49% from the field with 6.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists. It’ll be the first faceoff between the two Duke forwards this season.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Wendell Carter Jr. vs. Kristaps Porzingis
With Goga Bitadze sidelined, expect to see a lot of Wendell Carter Jr. in this contest. WCJ was productive in the first meeting against Boston, shooting 5-of-8 from the field for 11 points to go with seven rebounds and four assists. A willing shooter that’s having a career-worst season from the perimeter (20% 3P), Carter has no problems pulling it from beyond the arc, but his ability as a glass-crasher will be an area that Porzingis will have to account for.
Cole Anthony vs. Derrick White
The Magic being down multiple backcourt options means another extended appearance for Cole Anthony, who can be a microwave scorer on any given night. Anthony’s usage and efficiency are all down from past seasons, but against Boston, he stepped up, scoring 10 points with five assists in Orlando’s win, finishing as a +10. Derrick White handled that matchup for most of their first meeting, with Anthony making two of his three attempts over the All-Defensive Team guard.
Lately, Anthony has seen his minutes skyrocket due to the team’s numerous injuries, averaging 32 minutes a night in his past six games, scoring 17 points on 44/32/68 splits.
Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
Keys to the Game
Make your open shots: The shooting slump has felt team-wide during Boston’s rough period of play. Since Jan. 1, the Celtics are second in open 3-point frequency (4-6 feet of space) yet are just 21st in efficiency on those looks (33.6%). Against the league’s second-rated defense in Orlando, one that allows the fewest 3-point makes and attempts in the league, open shots might feel harder to come by, but when they do come available, the Celtics have to make the Magic pay.
Watch for aggressive defense: Orlando has a top-tier defense for a reason, even with the rotation constantly shapeshifting to account for their injury troubles. In their previous matchup, the Magic hounded the ball, disrupting the Celtics’ drive-and-kick game and turning nearly every fourth quarter possession into a dogfight. Orlando has forced opponents to turn the ball over an average of 17 times a game this season, third best in the league. No matter who is available for Orlando, they make their opponents work to score buckets. The Celtics have to be ready for active hands on any kind of drive to the paint.
Protect the paint: Orlando’s offensive sports the worst 3-point shooting in the league, and it’s not particularly close. As a team, they shoot just 31% from distance, with the closest “competitor” in that regard being the Washington Wizards and their 33% success rate. Despite that, the Magic are a competent paint-attacking unit, especially with Paolo Banchero on the floor, who makes 55% of his shots inside of 10 feet. With Al Horford and Porzingis both available along with Luke Kornet, Boston’s bigs need to disrupt Orlando’s attempts at the cup, while the rest of Boston’s rotation needs to communicate and avoid defensive lapses that end in open cuts to the rim.
The Orlando Magic (23-19) are set to take on the Boston Celtics (28-12) in Game #41 of the NBA season on January 17, 2025.
The Magic will be looking to continue their recent success and build on their solid record, while the Celtics will be aiming to maintain their position near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Key players to watch in this matchup include Orlando’s dynamic duo of Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz, as well as Boston’s All-Star tandem of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
It’s sure to be an exciting game between these two talented teams, so be sure to tune in and see who comes out on top in this battle on the hardwood. Let’s go Magic! #PureMagic
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That seems to have been the Orlando Magic’s motto and ethos for the past two years. Whatever shortcomings they might have offensively, especially, they would make up for with sheer effort and defensive grit. This would exhaust their opponents and give them a chance to win.
That effort seemingly hides all the Magic’s weaknesses. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner’s individual brilliance creates and makes up for a lot this roster is missing.
One bad night will not derail this team’s identity and mission. A healthy Orlando Magic team is a formidable force should the Magic face the Milwaukee Bucks in the playoffs.
Yet, it is hard to ignore what led to the dispiriting and frustrating 122-93 loss to the Bucks on Wednesday. A loss of this magnitude, where the Magic trailed by as much as 32 points and fell behind 34-16 after the first quarter behind a 19-0 run, forces the losing team to examine itself.
Losses of this magnitude say more about the losing team than about the winning team. And while the Magic will surely play better when they head back to Milwaukee in March to close the season series—and potentially in the playoffs—it is hard to ignore what this team struggled with without its typical try-hard energy.
This Magic team leans on its effort most of all. And without it all of their flaws are exposed.
“That wasn’t our standard,” coach Jamahl Mosley said after Wednesday’s loss. “That wasn’t Orlando Magic basketball. Not even close. We’ll have to talk about it and figure out what it was that didn’t allow it to be that but it wasn’t Orlando Magic basketball. The great part about this group is they always find a way to bounce back.”
The shooting struggles
That biggest issue remains the team’s shooting.
The Orlando Magic opened the game shooting 3 for 15 from the floor. They gave up a 19-0 run, going scoreless for more than five minutes. The Magic were down 34-16 at the end of the first quarter and never really made a push, getting the deficit down to 13 in the second quarter but then allowing it to balloon back to 20 before halftime.
The Magic ended the game shooting 34.7 percent from the floor and 12 for 46 (26.1 percent) from three. The 46 3-point attempts represented the eighth time this season the Magic took 45 or more threes in a game. Orlando is 3-5 in those games.
Worse still, the Magic were 2 for 14 in the first quarter. They were settling for threes. And for an Orlando team that is shooting the worst team 3-point field goal percentage in the last decade that is not a healthy formula.
Orlando needed to increase its 3-point volume and needed to remain confident shooting threes. But that is not this team’s game. It is perhaps something the Magic need to address more forcefully in the next transaction windows to become a clearer contending team.
But it is not like the Magic cannot win without three-point shooting. It is what settling for those threes represents. It is the lack of energy and intensity not attacking the rim means for this team.
The Magic make up for their poor three-point shooting by attacking the paint and getting to the foul line. That too has at times been a struggle for this team.
Orlando scored only 32 points in the paint on 32 field goal attempts. The team tallied 21 free throws but only nine in the fist half and just two in the first quarter.
It almost did not matter what the Bucks did—7 for 12 from three, 54 points in the paint and 35 free throw attempts. This was about what the Magic were missing. Milwaukee clogged the lane and dared Orlando to shoot.
The Magic let the Bucks dictate the terms of engagement.
“We just kind of got out-physicaled tonight from the jump,” Wendell Carter said after Wednesday’s loss. “It was very easy for them on the offensive end. And then for us, we didn’t apply any pressure. We settled for a lot of threes. . . . We settled a lot instead of moving it side to side. We just did a poor job walking into this game of applying pressure and making it tough for them on both ends of the court.”
With Paolo Banchero—with seven turnovers in this game—still working his way back, the Magic did not have a clear way to attack the basket.
That remains a big issue for the team too. Outside of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, Orlando lacks players who command double teams or can get themselves to the basket to force the defense into rotations.
Effort hides weaknesses
But the Orlando Magic’s effort has always lessened those deficiencies. When the Magic say they are enough, they speak about their intensity making up ground for what they are missing due to injury.
They have to make up ground through offensive rebounds and scoring off turnovers. They have to make extra possessions wherever they can find them.
The Magic made up points in a lot of areas.
The Milwaukee Bucks forced 13 turnovers for 15 points. The Magic still forced 21 turnovers for 19 points, and five of them came in the second quarter when the team cut the deficit to 13. Of course, eight of the Bucks’ turnovers came in the fourth quarter with the game already decided.
The Magic gave up only three offensive rebounds and grabbed nine of their own—granted the Bucks shot 62.5 percent for the game. They outscored the Bucks 10-3 on second-chance points (although the Magic were just 3 for 9 on second-chance field goals).
Orlando has a formula to win and get around the team’s many shortcomings. But it all comes down to that thing that creates such a fine margin for error.
When the Magic cannot make shots and cannot get into the paint, they get themselves in trouble. The Bucks ran on all those long rebounds to score 22 fast-break points. Orlando lost contact and lost touch and could not reel Milwaukee back in.
And without consistent scoring to settle things down, the Magic fell behind too fast to be competitive. The missed shots took the Magic out of their defensive identity.
“We’ve always said we’re not going to allow shot-making or missing to impact our effort or energy and that was not there tonight,” Mosley said after Wednesday’s loss. “We let some of that impact us. You have to start the game the right way with the right amount of energy and intensity. And tonight we looked like the team that was on the back-to-back. We played more energy when we had them on a back-to-back last time. Tonight was not that night. That was a good old-fashioned butt-whooping. That’s what it was tonight.”
These are known problems. Nobody is surprised the Magic have these issues. Their effort covers them up well.
But the fact the Magic did not play with effort was downright shocking. Orlando has bounced back from poor performances before to get hallmark wins. The Magic expect themselves to do it again.
That does not change what they know they will have to fix in the long run. Even when they are healthy, they will have to answer these critical questions.
At some point in the playoffs, effort is not going to be enough. The Magic will have to find an answer for these shooting woes and the things that put a wrench in their offense.
The Orlando Magic have shown flashes of brilliance this season with their relentless effort and hustle on the court. However, their hard work alone can’t completely cover up their weaknesses.
Despite their strong defense and ability to play with energy and intensity, the Magic have struggled with consistency on offense. They have had trouble scoring efficiently and have relied heavily on their defense to keep them in games.
Additionally, the Magic have faced challenges with injuries to key players, which has impacted their overall performance. The lack of depth and experience on the roster has also been a hindrance at times.
While their effort and determination are commendable, the Magic will need to address their offensive struggles and improve their overall team chemistry in order to reach their full potential. Only then will they be able to compete with the top teams in the league and make a significant impact in the playoffs.
ORLANDO, Fla. – Football fans in Orlando enjoyed a festive start to their game day on New Years Eve, as the official bowl pregame tailgate party took place at Tinker Field, adjacent to Camping World Stadium.
The event featured interactive games, inflatables, face painting, and more, providing entertainment for attendees of all ages.
Admission to the tailgate was free, and a variety of food and beverages were available for purchase from local vendors, offering a taste of Orlando’s diverse culinary scene.
The festivities began at 11 a.m. and will continue until the kickoff of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at 3 p.m., which features a matchup between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Illinois Fighting Illini.
The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl is a highlight of Orlando’s bowl season, attracting fans from across the country. Hosting multiple bowl games annually, Camping World Stadium has solidified its status as a premier destination for college football.
Whether a die-hard football fan or simply looking for an enjoyable way to spend the day, the pregame tailgate at Tinker Field offered something for everyone.
With free admission and a variety of activities, it was an event not to be missed.
Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.
Are you ready for the ultimate New Year’s Eve party? Fans are gearing up for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando and the tailgating scene is going to be epic! From grilling up delicious food to playing games and enjoying cold drinks, fans are ready to kick off the festivities in style.
Whether you’re rooting for your favorite team or just looking to have a good time, the tailgating experience at the Citrus Bowl is not to be missed. With the excitement building and the energy palpable, fans are ready to celebrate the end of the year with a bang.
So grab your friends, pack up your tailgating gear, and get ready to join in on the fun at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve in Orlando. It’s going to be a party you won’t want to miss!
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FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Jessica Dobson shares the New Year’s Eve forecast.
ORLANDO, Fla. – A Dense Fog Advisory continues for the majority of our counties in Central Florida until 9 a.m. By late morning, we’ll see the fog lift and gradually clear out. Temperatures today will be unseasonably warm, with highs soaring into the upper 70s and low 80s.
A cold front pushes through tonight. Before it arrives, a few light and fading showers will be possible.
What is the New Year’s Eve forecast for Orlando?
Temperatures will be mild as the clock strikes midnight, and we ring in 2025. Temperatures will fall to around the low and mid 60s, so a jacket won’t be needed for any celebratory plans. You can leave the rain jacket at home too, as we look to stay dry overnight as well.
What is the New Year’s Day forecast for Orlando?
Temperatures will be cooler for New Year’s Day. Highs will only reach the upper 60s and low 70s under a mostly sunny sky.
Temperatures will remain unseasonably cool for the rest of the week as we stay rain-free.
What is the weekend forecast for Orlando?
By Saturday, another temperature drop is anticipated with highs only reaching the upper 50s and low 60s.
As we prepare to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome in the new year, Orlando is set to have comfortable temperatures and clear skies for New Year’s Eve celebrations. However, as we look ahead to the first days of 2025, big forecast changes are on the horizon.
On December 31st, Orlando is expected to have a high of around 75 degrees and a low of 55 degrees, making for a pleasant evening to ring in the new year. Clear skies are forecasted, perfect for fireworks displays and outdoor gatherings.
But as we move into the first week of January, a significant weather system is set to move through the area, bringing the potential for rain, thunderstorms, and cooler temperatures. It’s important to stay updated on the latest forecasts and be prepared for possible changes in the weather as we start the new year.
Whether you’re planning a night out on the town or a cozy evening at home, be sure to check the forecast and dress accordingly. Here’s to a happy and safe New Year’s Eve in Orlando, and may 2025 bring us all clear skies and sunshine!
Florida drivers headed to work on Tuesday morning should use extra caution as dense fog may reduce visibilities across the region. A dense fog advisory has been issued for much of Central Florida – from Tampa on the west coast to Orlando to Cocoa Beach on the east coast – from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
ORLANDO, Fla. – Expect partly cloudy skies overnight with areas of dense fog. Lows will range from the lower to middle 60s, with light winds from the southeast to southwest at 5 mph.
A Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect through Tuesday morning for much of Central Florida. Fog should lift by mid-morning, giving way to warm and breezy conditions with highs nearly 10 degrees above average. A few isolated showers are possible, with rain chances around 20%.
What is the New Year’s Eve forecast for Orlando?
The day will bring partly sunny skies with a slight chance of isolated showers. Highs will climb near 80, with breezy southwest winds at 10-15 mph. A cold front is expected to arrive near midnight, bringing a slight chance of sprinkles as temperatures settle into the mid-60s to welcome the new year.
What is the New Year’s Day forecast for Orlando?
New Year’s Day will usher in cooler weather, with highs in the upper 60s to lower 70s.
What is the weekend forecast for Orlando?
A secondary cold front on Friday will bring even chillier air, with Saturday’s highs only reaching the upper 50s to lower 60s. Overnight lows will dip into the upper 30s and lower 40s.
A brief warming trend will develop Sunday into the first week of 2025, with highs rebounding into the 70s before another stronger cold front approaches later in the week, potentially bringing colder air and scattered showers.
LOOKING AHEAD: By the weekend of the Disney Marathon on Jan. 12, we may see temperatures in the 20s for lows with 40s and 50s for highs. Here is a look at one of the projected cold temperature models for the week of Jan. 7.
Orlando Weather Update: Get ready for a warm New Year’s Eve before a mid-week cooldown!
As we ring in the new year, Orlando is set to experience unseasonably warm temperatures on New Year’s Eve, with highs reaching the mid-80s. This means you can ditch the heavy coats and enjoy a balmy evening as you countdown to 2022.
However, don’t get too comfortable with the warm weather just yet. A mid-week cooldown is on the horizon, with temperatures expected to drop into the 60s by Wednesday. So make sure to take advantage of the warm weather while you can and soak up the sunshine before the cooler temperatures roll in.
Whether you’re planning on celebrating New Year’s Eve outdoors or just enjoying a leisurely day in the sun, be sure to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts to make the most of your time in Orlando. Here’s to a warm and wonderful start to the new year! #OrlandoWeather #NewYearsEve #WarmWeather #MidWeekCooldown
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Illinois coach Bret Bielema and South Carolina coach Shane Beamer speak to the media Sunday at the Fun Spot America event in Orlando.
Illinois coach Bret Bielema’s shoe look on Sunday (above) and the backpacks for the Illini (left).
Players were matched up with local kids Sunday at Fun Spot America in Orlando, Fla., where everyone enjoyed time on the variety of rides, including Illinois general manager Patrick Embleton (top right) and his wife, Jessica, and children, Lena and Bella.
Posing by the Citrus Bowl trophy: Ezekiel Holmes, Karson Kaiser and 9-year-old Anari Sutton of Orlando.
Players were matched up with local kids where everyone enjoyed time on the variety of rides at Fun Spot America Sunday.
Illinois general manager Patrick Embleton enjoyed time with his family (wife Jessica and kids Lena and Bella) Sunday at the Fun Spot in Orlando.
Illinois general manager Patrick Embleton enjoyed time with his family (wife Jessica and kids Lena and Bella) Sunday at the Fun Spot in Orlando.
Backpacks for the Illini.
Players were matched up with local kids where everyone enjoyed time on the variety of rides at Fun Spot America Sunday.
Cheez-It mascot was busy on Sunday.
Illinois coach Bret Bielema and South Carolina coach Shane Beamer speak to the media Sunday at the Fun Spot America event in Orlando.
Illinois coach Bret Bielema’s shoe look on Sunday (above) and the backpacks for the Illini (left).
Players were matched up with local kids Sunday at Fun Spot America in Orlando, Fla., where everyone enjoyed time on the variety of rides, including Illinois general manager Patrick Embleton (top right) and his wife, Jessica, and children, Lena and Bella.
Posing by the Citrus Bowl trophy: Ezekiel Holmes, Karson Kaiser and 9-year-old Anari Sutton of Orlando.
Players were matched up with local kids where everyone enjoyed time on the variety of rides at Fun Spot America Sunday.
Illinois general manager Patrick Embleton enjoyed time with his family (wife Jessica and kids Lena and Bella) Sunday at the Fun Spot in Orlando.
Illinois general manager Patrick Embleton enjoyed time with his family (wife Jessica and kids Lena and Bella) Sunday at the Fun Spot in Orlando.
Backpacks for the Illini.
Players were matched up with local kids where everyone enjoyed time on the variety of rides at Fun Spot America Sunday.
CHAMPAIGN — Culture can form habitual behavior that manifests in distinct outcomes over time.
That’s one way of saying that you anticipated the football playoff losses of Indiana, SMU and Tennessee — the oft-brilliant Vols have nine losing seasons since 2008 — in the lopsided opening round.
Culture has its way of creeping into these events. We anticipated those results because we doubted that Indiana and SMU belonged. And love ‘em or hate ‘em, we’ve grown accustomed to the consistency of Notre Dame, Penn State and Ohio State over time.
This same culture is part of the mountain Illinois must climb on Tuesday. The underdog Illini have never faced South Carolina but stand 0-6 against SEC members.
Furthermore, since Jan. 1, 1964, when the late Dick Butkus sparked a 17-7 defeat of Washington in the Rose Bowl, the Illini are 5-12 in mostly secondary bowls. The biggest win may have come in 1990 over Virginia (31-21) in this same Citrus Bowl, but my favorite was the 38-14 defeat of Baylor in the 2010 Texas Bowl with Nathan Scheelhaase outplaying Robert Griffin III.
Sitting it out
Who’ll step up in behalf of Illinois’ premier performer, Pat Bryant?
The answer is no one can be expected to match an extraordinary season in which he caught the winning passes in overtime against Nebraska and Purdue, and the remarkable 40-yard game saver with four seconds left at Rutgers.
The short-pass game may be effective but the Illini need a vertical threat to prevent the Gamecocks from overloading up front. That’s where Bryant excelled, averaging 18.2 yards per catch.
Meanwhile, South Carolina will be without 881-yard, 11-TD running back Rocket Sanders and super-star Kyle Kennard, the Nagurski Award winner at defensive end.
The opt-outs by Sanders and Kennard don’t change the likelihood that the ground game favors the Gamecocks. And that’s essentially because 240-pound quarterback LaNorris Sellers is one of the premier ball-carriers in the country (655 yards rushing, 2,274 yards passing).
Running QBs have been a problem for Illinois this season. Forewarned is forearmed in this case.
Portal perusal
Defensive coordinator Aaron Henry and the Illini made big news in the portal last week in landing three members of Wisconsin’s front five.
If you look back to November, you’ll see edge Leon Lowery Jr. and nose Curt Neal were Badger starters and 6-7, 290-pound James Thompson Jr., a multi-year regular, was earning a redshirt due to an injury.
They are Illini now, and poised to bolster the most needy sector of the UI team.
The Badgers finished 5-7 and their shoddy defense left concerns about their talent, but consider that they lost to Alabama, Southern Cal, Penn State, Iowa and Oregon before crumbling in the last two games against Nebraska and Minnesota. The Badgers, who have seen at least 25 varsitymen enter the portal, face anther challenging campaign with early trips to Alabama and Michigan, and back-to-back dates with Ohio State and Oregon, all before hosting Illinois and their former teammates Nov. 22.
Scheduling is critical in an 18-team conference. It makes you wonder how Indiana would have done with Wisconsin’s 2024 schedule … Alabama, Oregon, Penn State, ugh.
Rosters in flux
Legal scholars on the bench are making it impossible for the NCAA to determine its own rules.
Transfers became widespread when a judge ruled that the NCAA can’t require a year in residency. Nor can schools prevent athletes any longer from capitalizing on their ability to draw pay for play.
Those two rulings are causing incredible chaos. And this latest ruling involving Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is an even greater shock. Pavia attended a year of junior college, and a district court judge says that doesn’t count against his Division I eligibility. So, of course, the NCAA will appeal, but at the same time has granted a waiver for all junior college athletes with expiring NCAA eligibility to play in 2025.
This paints a new picture, an entirely different option, for juco transfers like Illini left tackle J.C. Davis. Next year’s UI lineup just keeps changing … daily … in December.
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Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the thrill of mountain climbing right here in Orlando. Visit Tatelines today and start your ascent to new heights.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The last Orlando-Miami game ended with the Magic on a big run. And on Thursday, the Magic started the rematch with another flurry. The Magic scored the first 14 points of Thursday’s game against the Heat, that coming on the heels of Orlando outscoring Miami 37-8 in the fourth quarter of their matchup on Saturday — a huge rally that capped a comeback from as much as a 25-point deficit. It was Orlando’s best start to a game in more than two decades.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The Orlando Magic continue to dominate the Miami Heat with another impressive scoring run in their latest matchup. The Magic’s offensive prowess was on full display as they overwhelmed the Heat with their sharp shooting and relentless attack. This victory further solidifies the Magic’s place as a formidable force in the NBA, and leaves the Heat searching for answers on how to contain their explosive offense. Stay tuned for more thrilling matchups between these two teams as the season progresses. #MagicvsHeat #NBA #OrlandoMagic #MiamiHeat
Back on the road. The Brooklyn Nets wrapped up the home portion of their 2024 schedule with a loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The Nets begin a three game road trip tonight that will carry them into the New Year.
The opponent today is swamped by injuries, but they’re still fighting. When we look at the Orlando Magic’s injury report, we’ll see a lot of star power there. They took on the New York Knicks on Friday night and ran out of steam after halftime as the Knicks won comfortably.
Where to follow the game
YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Daytime affair so we’re getting started after 3:00 p.m. ET
Injuries
Bojan Bogdanovic, Trendon Watford, and Ziaire Williams are out. Ben Simmons missed Friday’s game as the second half of a back-to-back. He should be back today. Same for Cam Johnson who missed the game with a hip injury. AND ….Cam Thomas is listed as probable after missing 13 straight.
Franz Wagner, Mo Wagner, and Paolo Banchero are out.
The game
Orlando won games one, two, and three. This is the last meeting between the two teams this season.
The NBA season is long, and every club gets tested. You learn about yourself in this process and hope that the lessons guide you into a successful future. At Orlando Magic Daily, Philip Rossman-Reich wrote about the team’s resilience and said:
The Magic are down a lot of players and they feel the pressure that comes with that. They feel the margin for error when they make mistakes.
But they also see the resolve they have to overcome them. They see how their effort and intensity makes up for a lot of what they are missing. They see how their defense can still win and give them a chance if they stick with it.
These games now will serve as valuable lessons for the group come postseason time.
The frontcourt for Orlando has been wrecked by injuries, but Goga Bitadze has held things down as best as he can. He’s grabbed at least nine rebounds in nine straight games and has tried to anchor the Magic’s interior. Nic Claxton will look to make things hard on Bitadze inside and try to cash in on close shot attempts on offense. They need him to hit on those three footers if they want to make Orlando respect them on the inside.
Having Cam Johnson back should open up the offense. CJ is taking on new challenges in the offense, and the results are starting to show. Lucas went in depth about it on Friday, and you should check it out! Even in a season where the focus is on the future, there’s a lot to watch and observe in the present.
Player to watch: Jalen Suggs
When you’re down options one and two on offense, those shots have to go somewhere. For the Magic, they’ve gone to Suggs. Since December 8th, he’s averaged 21 points on 42/30/88 shooting splits. It’s a lot of heavy lifting for Suggs, and after halftime on Friday he only went 3-6 from the field (with no three pointers made) after going 7-of-14 with four threes. It’s a lot to ask of Suggs, but it’s what he’ll have to do until reinforcements arrive.
Cam Thomas is back, and we’ll see how many minutes he plays tonight. Hamstring injuries are always tricky and you never know you’re back to normal until you’re out there. The Nets have historically been conservative with players coming back from injury, so it would be surprising if he played a heavy amount of minutes. At the very least, the Nets get a guard that can create his own shot and give Cam Johnson another good scorer alongside him. The big number for him and the Nets. When CT went down, Brooklyn had the eighth best offense in the NBA. Since then? They’re 29th.
From the Vault
On Friday afternoon, it was announced that broadcaster Greg Gumbel passed away at the age of 78. Let’s take it back to 1997 and relive two of his best NBA calls alongside fellow icons Bill Walton and Steve “Snapper” Jones!
The Brooklyn Nets are set to kick off the new year with a road trip starting with a matchup against the Orlando Magic. The Nets have been on a hot streak as of late, winning eight of their last ten games and currently sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Led by superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Nets have been a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. Their high-powered offense, combined with their improved defense, has made them a formidable team in the league.
On the other hand, the Orlando Magic have been struggling this season, currently sitting near the bottom of the standings in the Eastern Conference. However, they have shown flashes of potential with their young core of players like Cole Anthony and Mo Bamba.
The matchup between the Nets and the Magic will be an interesting one to watch, as both teams have something to prove. The Nets will look to continue their winning streak and solidify their position at the top of the standings, while the Magic will be looking to pull off an upset and gain some momentum moving forward.
Overall, this game promises to be an exciting one with high-flying dunks, sharpshooting, and intense defense. Be sure to tune in and catch all the action as the Nets begin their new year’s road trip against the Orlando Magic.
Tags:
Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic, NBA, basketball, preview, New Year’s road trip, Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic, game preview, NBA game, NBA preview, Brooklyn Nets game, Orlando Magic game, sports preview, basketball preview, game analysis, Brooklyn Nets news, Orlando Magic news, NBA matchup.
Six Women Tag Team Match – Bianca Belair, Naomi and their surprise partner, Rhea Ripley def. Pure Fusion Collective – Shayna Bazler, Zoey Stark and Sonya Deville
Andrade “El Idolo” def. Carmelo Hayes
Fatal Four Way for the WWE Tag Team championship – DIY retained their titles after defeating Street Profits, Motor City Machine Guns and A-Town Down-Under
Bailey defeated Tiffany Stratton
New Bloodline – Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga w/ Solo Sikoa defeated Jimmy and Jey Uso with help from Solo after the ref was distracted checking on Jacob Fatu. After the match, The Bloodline beat up the Usos for a bit, before Solo bringing a table into the ring. As Solo started setting up the table in the corner, Jimmy and Jey gave sidekicks to Tama and Jacob that resulted in them landing out of the ring. They waited for Solo to finish setting the table and when he turned and saw he was alone in the ring with his twin brothers, Solo tried to do the Yeet motion and get the crowd behind him, only to receive a double sidekick and them being speared through the table by Jey. The Usos celebrated with the fans for a little while before going to intermission.
Katana Chance and Kayden Carter def. “Unholy Union” – Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn
Street Fight for the WWE Women’s Championship – Nia Jax (c) def. Michin
Steel Cage Match for WWE Championship – Cody Rhodes retained after defeating Kevin Owens. Good back and forth match that saw both men using the cage to punish the other. They exchanged finishers towards the end of the match, both kicking out in what were great false finishes. KO then hit “Cross-Rhodes” on Cody for another near fall, only for Cody to return the favor with a Stunner for one more near fall. Cody then started climbing the cage and KO crawled towards the cage door. Cody jumped to the floor with KO coming out the door just a second later, giving Cody the win.
There was a lot of good work up and down the card. Everyone also seemed to be enjoying themselves. There was also a lot of interaction with the crowd during and after the matches, with the babyfaces taking the time to shake hands with as many people as they could at ringside. The Usos and Cody took a lot of time to sign autographs, shake hands and take pictures with the ringside before intermission and at the end of the show respectively.
All in all, a really good show. On a side note, this was my grandson’s first time attending a WWE event and it was so awesome to see his face light up every time another wrestler would come out for their match. He and my daughter are huge Rhea Ripley fans. They were a bit bummed out because we thought Rhea would be in the RAW brand tour, so when they heard her entrance music play they jumped out of their seats and that moment alone served as a nice set up for the rest of the evening. Seeing his reactions and his excitement all night brought me memories of my first show back in Puerto Rico almost 40 years ago. It actually made my evening so much better. Being there with my entire family made for a different kind of enjoyment of the show.
WWE House Show Results – December 28, 2024 – Orlando, FL
Last night, WWE brought its thrilling action to Orlando, Florida for an unforgettable house show event. The Amway Center was buzzing with excitement as fans gathered to witness their favorite superstars in action. Here are the results from the epic night of wrestling:
– The opening match saw The Usos defeat The Miz and John Morrison in a tag team showdown.
– In a hard-hitting singles match, Keith Lee emerged victorious over Bobby Lashley.
– The Women’s division took center stage as Bianca Belair overcame Charlotte Flair in a highly competitive match.
– The high-flying team of Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio defeated The Street Profits in a thrilling tag team match.
– The main event of the evening saw Roman Reigns successfully defend his Universal Championship against Seth Rollins in a brutal and intense battle.
Overall, the Orlando crowd was treated to an action-packed night of wrestling action that left everyone on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned for more updates and results from WWE’s exciting house show events.
Tags:
WWE, House Show, Results, December 28, 2024, Orlando FL, wrestling, professional wrestling, WWE event, wrestling match, WWE superstars, WWE news, wrestling results
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