The Orlando Magic and the New Orleans Pelicans duke it out at the Smoothie King Center on Sunday night. Here’s a Pelicans vs. Magic Prediction. This article will include a Pelicans vs. Magic Pick.
Orlando Magic Betting Preview
The Orlando Magic have been doing it tough as they’ve lost eight of their last 11 games overall, but they will be feeling a little better after they took down the Mavericks in a 138-127 road win on Friday. Wendell Carter Jr. led the team with 28 points on eight of 16 shooting; Desmond Bane added 27 points with seven rebounds and five assists, while Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva each scored 19 points. As a team, the Magic shot 56 percent from the field and 14 of 26 from the 3-point line as they got off to a great start and poured in 71 points in the first half and they didn’t ease off until the lead ballooned to 30 points at one stage. It was a real balanced scoring effort, as the Magic had a total of six players scoring at least 18 points.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans have been in a slump as they are now on a seven-game losing streak after falling short to the lowly Kings in a 117-113 road defeat on Friday. Jeremiah Fears led the team with 28 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Saddiq Bey added 20 points while Jordan Hawkins chipped in with 14 points on five of seven shooting off the bench. As a team, the Pelicans shot 48 percent from the field and 14 of 34 from the 3-point line as they got off to a solid start and looked to be in control as they led for most of the contest, but with the scores tied late in the game, a crucial flagrant foul gifted the Kings crucial free throws to escape in the end.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The underdogs have won four of the Magic’s last five games at Smoothie King Center.
- The Magic have lost seven of their last nine games as favorites against Southwest Division opponents following a win.
- The Magic have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games as favorites against Southwest Division opponents following a win.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last four home games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back.
Why the Orlando Magic will win
- The Magic have won each of their last eight games against the Pelicans.
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last 11 games as underdogs against Southeast Division opponents.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 11 games as underdogs against Southeast Division opponents.
- The Magic have covered the spread in each of their last eight games against the Pelicans.
Total Points: Facts
- Each of the Magic’s last six games as favorites has gone OVER the total points line.
- Eleven of the Pelicans’ last 13 home games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Zion Williamson ranks 1st amongst qualified players for points in the paint per game (15.5) this season.
- Herb Jones is one of only two players in the league to have recorded 8+ steals in a game this season.
Orlando Magic Player Facts
- Jalen Suggs has recorded 3+ steals in three consecutive appearances—the longest active streak of any player in the league.
- Desmond Bane ranks 1st in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for FT% (92.0%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pelicans have recorded the largest comeback win from an HT deficit this season—trailing by 22 points vs. the Rockets on December 18.
- The Pelicans rank 29th in the league for opponent offensive rebounds per game this season (12.7).
- The Magic rank 1st in the league for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (12.0).
- The Magic rank 1st in the league for free throws made per game this season (22.0).
Pelicans vs Magic Prediction
The Magic are still missing Anthony Black and Jonathan Isaac, while the Pelicans have ruled out Bryce McGowens, with Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray and Karlo Matkovic all questionable. You couldn’t back either side with any confidence right now, as both teams have been struggling, but the Magic are still relatively healthy and they were able to knock off some cobwebs with a much-needed win over the Mavericks in their last outing. The Pelicans have now lost seven in a row following their disappointing loss to the lowly Kings and I think things will get worse, as I have the Magic earning the win and cover on the road.