Minnesota Timberwolves (19-17) vs. Orlando Magic (22-16)
January 9, 2025 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: Orlando Magic +4.5; Over/Under: 205.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic meet Thursday in NBA action at the Kia Center. Here’s a Magic vs Timberwolves Prediction. This article will include a Magic vs Timberwolves Pick.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Clippers and Pelicans, and they play the Grizzlies, Wizards, and Warriors next. The Minnesota Timberwolves are averaging 109.1 points on 45.7 percent shooting and allowing 107.7 points on 45.6 percent shooting. Anthony Edwards is averaging 25.8 points and 5.8 rebounds, while Julius Randle is averaging 19.5 points and 4.4 assists. Naz Reid is the third double-digit scorer and Rudy Gobert is grabbing 10.6 rebounds. The Minnesota Timberwolves are shooting 37.8 percent from beyond the arc and 78.3 percent from the free-throw line. The Minnesota Timberwolves are allowing 34.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.4 rebounds per game.
Orlando Magic Betting Preview
The Orlando Magic lost to the Jazz, beat the Knicks, and they play the Bucks, 76ers, and Bucks next. The Orlando Magic are averaging 105.2 points on 44.7 percent shooting and allowing 103.2 points on 46.4 percent shooting. Paolo Banchero is averaging 29 points and 5.6 assists, while Franz Wagner is averaging 24.4 points and 5.6 rebounds. Jalen Suggs is the third double-digit scorer and Moritz Wagner is grabbing 4.9 rebounds. The Orlando Magic are shooting 31.1 percent from beyond the arc and 78.5 percent from the free-throw line. The Orlando Magic are allowing 36 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.5 rebounds per game.
Why the Orlando Magic will win
- The Timberwolves have lost each of their last five games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Magic have won each of their last six home games against the Timberwolves following a road win.
- The Magic have covered the spread in each of their last nine Thursday games as underdogs.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six night games against Eastern Conference opponents.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Magic have lost each of their last 10 games against Western Conference opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The road team has won eight of the last nine games between the Timberwolves and Magic.
- The Magic have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games on the first leg of a back-to-back against Western Conference opponents.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in 10 of their last 11 games as road favorites against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Magic rank 30th in the league for points per game this season (105.2).
- The Magic rank 1st in the league for opponent points per game this season (103.2).
- The Timberwolves rank 1st in the league for Q2 opponent points per game this season (26.1).
- The Timberwolves rank 2nd in the league for H1 opponent points per game this season (52.6).
Magic vs Timberwolves Prediction
The Minnesota Timberwolves are going to get the benefit of the doubt because they’re not only the better team, but they have health on their side. It’s hard to take the Magic seriously when Banchero, Suggs, and both Wagners are injured. However, the Magic continues to play hard and find ways to win. The Magic are at their best at home, where they’re 13-5 SU. The Timberwolves have seen 10 of their 17 losses come on the road. The Minnesota Timberwolves have also been shaky these last couple of weeks, losing three of their last five games and needing comebacks to beat the Clippers and Pelicans. The Timberwolves are 14-21-1 ATS on the season. Give me the Magic and the points.
