Franz Wagner and Anthony Black led the Orlando Magic to a convincing 110-90 victory over the Washington Wizards, each scoring 23 points in the game. Black particularly shined in the second half, scoring 18 of his career-high points during that stretch. Paolo Banchero contributed with an additional 19 points, helping the Magic pull away decisively.

On the other hand, the Wizards struggled with injuries, missing key players like Alex Sarr and Khris Middleton. Despite leading early, their defensive lapses allowed the Magic to dominate the second half, highlighted by a 22-6 run that extended their lead significantly. The Wizards suffered their sixth consecutive loss, dropping their record to a dismal 9-47.

The Dallas Mavericks are facing a tumultuous season, culminating in the absence of Dereck Lively II due to a stress fracture in his right ankle, ruling him out for the rest of the regular season. This comes during a period of significant injury woes for the team as they approach the NBA All-Star break. However, the focus shifts to the All-Star Weekend, where Mavericks' Kyrie Irving will be spotlighted in his ninth All-Star Game.

Amidst these developments, Dallas natives like Cason Wallace and Anthony Black are also making headlines. Wallace, who has been out due to a shoulder sprain, was unable to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge but remains involved in the event's festivities. Meanwhile, Black is emerging as a key player for the Orlando Magic, showcasing his ability on both ends of the court.

Dereck Lively II's season has taken a hard hit as he faces a stress fracture in his right ankle, sidelining him for the remainder of the NBA season. This unfortunate injury comes as the Dallas Mavericks are navigating a tumultuous stretch, exacerbated by multiple player injuries. The Mavericks look to regroup during the All-Star break as attention shifts from their recent Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade to the festivities of All-Star Weekend.

Kyrie Irving leads the Mavericks' participation in the All-Star Game, while Dallas high school stars like Cason Wallace and Anthony Black bring local flair. Wallace, battling a right shoulder sprain, reflects on his tough competition experience against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Meanwhile, Anthony Black is making strides in his second season with the Orlando Magic, proving his value with increased scoring and strong defensive play, as the Mavericks take a much-needed break to reassess their strategy moving forward.

The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend commenced with the Rising Stars competition featuring notable performances from Orlando Magic's Anthony Black and Tristan da Silva. Team T, coached by Tim Hardaway Sr., fell short against Team C, led by Chris Mullin, 40-34. Black contributed four points and four assists, while da Silva added five points and an assist. Despite the loss, both players expressed their enjoyment of the event and the opportunity to play together. In another matchup, Mac McClung's Team G League narrowly edged Team M before succumbing to Team C in the finals. McClung aims for a historic three-peat in the Dunk Contest this Saturday night.

As the NBA All-Star Weekend kicks off in San Francisco, the Orlando Magic find themselves at a critical juncture of their season, holding a 27-29 record and sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference with playoff aspirations.

The Magic's guards have been evaluated, revealing a mixed bag of performances. Jalen Suggs, despite injuries, has shown promise as a key player, contributing significantly both offensively and defensively when healthy. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope brings championship experience but struggles with his shooting, marking the lowest three-point percentage of his career. Young guard Anthony Black is emerging as a potential asset, while Cole Anthony has had a shaky season. Gary Harris and Cory Joseph have seen inconsistent playtime due to injuries, affecting their contributions.