Even after being eliminated from postseason contention, the Orlando Magic still had something to play in Thursday’s home game vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Magic entered the matchup 20-20 at home, vying for their first winning record at Amway Center since 2019-20.

Orlando had an 18-17 home record during the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened season, including 16-15 at Amway Center after going 2-2 in “home” games in the league’s bubble at Disney World.

“That was [a] goal coming in from the beginning of the season and it’s been part of everybody’s mindset,” Markelle Fultz said. “That’s one thing we talked about was having to protect homecourt and giving our fans something to show respect to them. It’s something that we want to continue to do.”

Even with that in mind, the Magic sat their starters, giving Orlando the opportunity to play its guys who haven’t been in the rotation.

Paolo Banchero (back tightness), Wendell Carter Jr. (left hip soreness), Markelle Fultz (left knee soreness), Gary Harris (left adductor soreness) and Franz Wagner (sprained left ankle) weren’t available. Neither was Jonathan Isaac (season-ending left adductor surgery on March 3).

Cleveland, which secured the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference for the playoffs with the win over Orlando Tuesday, also sat most of its rotation.

Jarrett Allen (groin), Darius Garland (lower leg contusion), Caris LeVert (knee soreness), Donovan Mitchell (finger sprain), Evan Mobley (rest), Isaac Okoro (knee soreness) and Dylan Windler (sprained foot) didn’t play.

This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at khprice@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @khobi_price.

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