The Cleveland Cavaliers pay a visit to the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center on Saturday night. Here’s a Magic vs Cavaliers Prediction. This article will include a Magic vs Cavaliers Pick.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been in fine form as they’ve won nine of their last 13 games overall and they will be eager to maintain that momentum after outlasting the Kings in a 123-118 home win last night. Donovan Mitchell led the team with 33 points and eight assists on 11 of 25 shooting, Evan Mobley tallied 29 points with 13 rebounds and eight assists while Jaylon Tyson chipped in with 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists. As a team, the Cavaliers shot 46 percent from the field and 13 of 36 from the 3-point line as they got off to a sloppy start and leaked 71 points in the first half to trail early on. Before they took control of the contest with a 34-22 third quarter to take a 14-point lead and secure the hard-fought win at home.
Orlando Magic Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic have been struggling lately as they’ve lost four of their last seven games overall and they will be hoping to snap a two-game skid after getting beaten by the Hornets in a 124-97 loss on Thursday. Paolo Banchero led the team with 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Desmond Bane added 21 points on eight of 13 shooting while Moritz Wagner chipped in with 14 points off the bench. As a team, the Magic shot 42 percent from the field and 14 of 37 from the 3-point line as they struggled to keep pace with the Hornets from the start and fell behind by 21 points at halftime. Things didn’t get much better in the second half where the deficit swelled to 33 points at one stage.
Why the Orlando Magic will win
- The Magic have won eight of their last nine home games following a loss.
- The Cavaliers have lost six of their last seven road games against Magic teams that held a winning record.
- The favorites have covered the spread in each of the Cavaliers’ last six games at Kia Center.
- The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games as underdogs against Southeast Division opponents following a win.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The Magic have lost each of their last three games as favorites when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Cavaliers have won 17 of their last 19 night games against Southeast Division opponents.
- The Magic have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven night games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Cavaliers have covered the spread in 12 of their last 13 games as road underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Magic’s last six games as favorites against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Cavaliers’ last six Saturday games as underdogs have gone UNDER the total points line.
Orlando Magic Player Facts
- Desmond Bane ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for FT% (93.1%) this season.
- Paolo Banchero is one of only two qualified players in the league to be leading their team in points (21.0), rebounds (8.7) and assists (5.0) per game this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Facts
- Donovan Mitchell ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per game (3.8) this season.
- Dean Wade ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (5.4) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Magic rank 1st in the league for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (33.2).
- The Magic rank 1st in the league for free throws made per game this season (21.8).
- The Cavaliers rank 1st in the league for Q4 points per game this season (30.2).
- The Cavaliers rank 1st in the league for H2 points per game this season (60.9).
Magic vs Cavaliers Prediction
The Cavaliers are still missing Darius Garland, Max Strus and Sam Merrill, while the Magic have ruled out Franz Wagner with Jalen Suggs listed as probable. These two teams have yet to meet this season, but looking at recent form, it’s hard to split these two teams as the Cavaliers have been the team in better form recently. They are also playing their second game of a back to back set, which opens the door for the Magic. You can make an argument for either side, but the Magic could be near full strength for the first time in a long time. So, I will lean towards the Magic to escape with the narrow win at home in this spot.