The Toronto Raptors pay a visit to the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center on Friday night. Here’s a Magic vs Raptors Prediction. This article will include a Magic vs Raptors Pick.
Toronto Raptors Betting Preview
The Toronto Raptors have been in great shape as they were riding a four-game win streak before they got stopped in their tracks by the resurgent Knicks in a 119-92 loss on Wednesday. Brandon Ingram led the team with 27 points on 10 of 16 shooting, Scottie Barnes added 17 points with 10 rebounds and five assists, while RJ Barrett chipped in with 14 points on three of 13 shooting. As a team, the Raptors shot just 38 percent from the field and seven of 26 from the 3-point line as they held the Knicks to just 18 points in the first quarter to take an early 12-point lead. But they couldn’t keep a lid on the Knicks and got blown off the court by 72-41 to suffer one of their worst defeats of the season. Gradey Dick had a quiet game of just 11 points on two of seven shooting, while Ja’Kobe Walter finished scoreless on zero of six shooting.
Orlando Magic Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic have been struggling lately as they’ve lost five of their last eight games overall, and they were on a four-game losing streak before they took down the Heat in a 133-124 road win on Wednesday. Paolo Banchero led the team with 31 points and 12 rebounds; Anthony Black added 26 points with seven rebounds, five assists, four steals, and two blocks, while Desmond Bane chipped in with 23 points. As a team, the Magic shot 50 percent from the field and 16 of 38 from the 3-point line as they looked to be in trouble when they allowed 41 points in the second quarter to fall behind by 11 points. Before the Magic exploded for 40 points in the third quarter to pull ahead by 17 points.
Why the Orlando Magic will win
- The Magic have won each of their last four home games against the Raptors following a win.
- The Raptors have lost 14 of their last 16 Friday games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Raptors have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five games at Kia Center against Magic teams that held a winning record.
- The Magic have covered the spread in each of their last four home games against the Raptors following a win.
Why the Toronto Raptors will win
- The Raptors have won each of their last nine games as road underdogs against Southeast Division opponents.
- The Magic have lost each of their last seven games against Eastern Conference opponents following a win.
- The Raptors have covered the spread in each of their last 10 games as road underdogs against Southeast Division opponents.
- The Magic have failed to cover the spread in each of their last eight games against Eastern Conference opponents following a win.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Raptors’ last nine Friday games at Kia Center have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of the Magic’s last eight night games at Kia Center have gone UNDER the total points line.
Orlando Magic Player Facts
- Paolo Banchero has scored 30+ points in two consecutive appearances – longest active streak of any player in the league.
- Desmond Bane ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for FT% (93.4%) this season.
Toronto Raptors Player Facts
- Scottie Barnes is the only player in the league to have recorded 25+ rebounds in a game this season.
- Jamal Shead ranks 8th amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (4.0) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Magic rank 1st in the league for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (33.0).
- The Magic rank 1st in the league for free throws made per game this season (21.5).
- The Raptors rank 1st for fast break points (939) this season.
- The Raptors rank 1st for fast break points per game (19.2) this season.
Magic vs Raptors Prediction
The Raptors have ruled out Jakob Poeltl once again while the Magic are still missing Franz Wagner. The Raptors come into this meeting as the more consistent team in better form, but they are coming into this one fresh off a bad loss to the Knicks, which really stopped them in their tracks. In contrast, the Magic were riding a four-game losing streak before they finally snapped out of it with a nice win over the Heat on Wednesday, and now they open as slight favorites at home. The Magic can certainly get the win and cover in this one if they play like they did on Wednesday, but those performances have been rare this season. So, I think I prefer a play on the visiting Raptors to get the win as the minor underdogs in this spot.