Denver Nuggets vs. Orlando Magic: Odds, Picks, and Predictions
The Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic are set for an exciting NBA matchup on Saturday night. The game will take place at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. This matchup marks the second encounter of the season, with the Nuggets currently leading the series 1-0 after a December 18 victory.
Denver Nuggets vs. Orlando Magic: Odds, Picks, and Predictions
The Nuggets enter this game with a 22-8 record, having recently secured a thrilling overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves with a score of 142-138. Nikola Jokic delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 56 points on 15-of-21 shooting. Over their last 10 games, the Nuggets have won eight and covered the spread six times, bringing their season record against the spread (ATS) to 18-12.
Conversely, the Orlando Magic, with a 17-14 record, are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 120-105 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. In that game, Anthony Black led the team with 24 points. The Magic have been inconsistent lately, alternating wins and losses in their last five outings. They have struggled in December, holding a 5-6 record and only managing to cover the spread once in their last 11 games, resulting in a 12-18-1 overall ATS record.
Betting Odds
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the current odds for the Nuggets vs. Magic game are as follows:
- Moneyline: Nuggets -185, Magic +150
- Against the Spread: Nuggets -4.5 (-105), Magic +4.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 234.5 (O: -110, U: -110)
Key Injuries
Injuries could impact both teams. Current key injuries for the Nuggets include:
- Christian Braun (ankle) – out
- Aaron Gordon (hamstring) – out
- Cam Johnson (knee) – out
For the Magic, injuries reported are:
- Goga Bitadze (knee) – out
- Jalen Suggs (hip) – out
- Franz Wagner (ankle) – out
- Moritz Wagner (knee) – out
Expert Predictions
Experts predict a competitive matchup, with one favored outcome being the Nuggets emerging victorious. A suggested prediction for the final score is Nuggets 124, Magic 117. Betting on the Nuggets to cover the spread at -4.5 is a strong recommendation. Their offensive prowess has been impressive, scoring at least 130 points per game in many recent matches.
Additionally, considering the scoring trends, betting on the over at 234.5 seems promising. The Nuggets have demonstrated consistent offensive success, while the Magic’s recent defensive struggles make this matchup potential for high scoring. Ultimately, this game presents an intriguing landscape for bettors and fans alike.
