Magic Outlast Grizzlies in Preseason Shootout, DarkHorse Under Gets Torched

The Magic escaped Memphis with a 122-118 victory in what turned into an unexpected preseason scoring fest that blew past the 233.5 total. DarkHorse's under call? Dead on arrival.

This one had all the makings of a classic preseason slog—experimental lineups, camp bodies logging minutes, the usual disjointed mess. Instead, both squads decided to play like it was mid-January. The 240 combined points obliterated expectations and left the under backers watching a slow-motion train wreck unfold possession after possession.

Orlando's offense found rhythm despite the exhibition setting, piling up 122 points against a Grizzlies defense that clearly didn't get the preseason memo about playing conservative. Memphis kept pace at 118, turning what should've been a glorified scrimmage into a legitimate shootout. So much for reduced starter minutes killing offensive efficiency.

The theory was sound—preseason games typically feature choppy offense and deep rotations that crater scoring. Reality had other plans. Whether it was motivated camp players trying to make rosters or coaches letting guys play through mistakes, this one went full throttle from the opening tip.

Final damage: 240 points, a missed under by 6.5 points, and a reminder that preseason unpredictability cuts both ways. Sometimes the chaos produces a rock fight. Sometimes you get this.