The Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans meet Tuesday in NBA preseason action at the Smoothie King Center. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Orlando Magic Betting Preview

The Magic won 34 games last year and enter the third season under coach Jamahl Mosley. The Magic kept their core from last year intact while drafting Anthony Black and Jett Howard in the first round. The Magic are also giving dunk champion Mac McClung a shot while adding veteran Joe Ingles. The Magic are hoping Paolo Banchero can build on what was a great rookie season, while Markelle Fultz and others continue to get better. The Magic are still an extremely young roster with only one player 30 years old or older, and they could still use a game changer, but there’s potential here, and they improved their win total last year by 12 wins. A similar jump this season, and the Magic are in the playoffs. We’ll see. 

New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview

The Pelicans have won 78 games the last two seasons and enter the third year under coach Willie Green. The Pelicans didn’t do much to replace losing Jaxson Hayes, Josh Richardson, Garrett Temple and Willy Hernangomez. The Pels did draft Jordan Hawkins in the first round and signed Cody Zeller, but that’s about it. The Pelicans main focus is making sure Zion Williamson is healthy and in shape. If that’s a case, the Pelicans are a legit threat in the West when you add CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas. Depth may be an issue with the Pelicans, but they have one of the best starting fives in the league if Zion is healthy. Hopefully the big fella can stay on the court. 

Trends

The Magic are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games and 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games overall. The Pelicans are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 home games and 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall. The under is 5-1 in Magic last 6 road games. The under is 20-7 in Pelicans last 27 overall. The Magic are 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings in New Orleans and 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.

Randy’s Free Pick

The Magic are young and should be eager to build something starting in the preseason, but the truth is there are a lot of question marks on this roster, and it makes them a team I’m not excited to get behind. I’m very high on the Pelicans, especially if Zion can get right, as I believe New Orleans has a chance to become a dark horse to come out of the West. So, it’s not a surprise I’m backing the Pelicans in their preseason opener at home.