Magic vs Clippers Pick, Preview & Betting Odds For Saturday, March 18th

Check out our free Magic vs Clippers pick and preview for this NBA game in Los Angeles. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.

Magic vs Clippers NBA Pick & Preview

Sport: NBA
Teams: Orlando Magic at Los Angeles Clippers
Where: Los Angeles at Crypto.com Arena
Date: Saturday, March 18th
Betting Odds LAC -7.5, ORL +227 | LAC -283 O/U 227.0

So far, the Magic have put together an overall record of 28-42, while going 37-32-1 vs the spread. Over the Magic current 2 game losing streak, they have an average scoring differential of -10.5 points per game.

The Magic will be looking to bounce back from a 116-113 loss to the Suns. In terms of betting, Orlando entered as 8 point underdogs, giving them an ATS win. Orlando was not able to turn things around in the 2nd half, as they trailed the Suns by 3 going into halftime. In the loss, Markelle Fultz led the team in scoring with 25 points on a field goal percentage of 64.7%.

So far, the Clippers have put together an overall record of 37-33, while going 35-34-1 vs the spread. The Clippers entered today’s game having picked up 4 straight wins. This has come on an average scoring differential of 8.25 points per game.

The Clippers will look to keep things rolling, as they previously beat the Warriors by a score of 134-126. Heading into the game, they were 3 point favorites against the spread, giving them an ATS win. Los Angeles went on to win the game, as they led by 3 heading into halftime. In the win, Kawhi Leonard led the team in scoring with 30 points on a field goal percentage of 52.6%.

Head To Head Recap & Stats

In the most recent matchup between the two teams, the Magic picked up the win 116-111 win over the Clippers. Heading into the game, Orlando was the 6.5 point underdogs, giving them an ATS win. This has been the only matchup between the two teams this season. Similar to their season-long average, the Magic averaged 103.0 points per game vs the Clippers. Similar to the Magic, the Clippers scored at a rate near the league average. In their games vs Orlando, the team averaged 108.5 points per game. In terms of betting vs the spread, the Magic have gone 3-2, but the Clippers actually have a positive scoring differential. In these meetings, Los Angeles has averaged 108 points per contest, while allowing 103. The over-under record in these same games is 1-3-1, with the teams combining for an average of 211 points per game.

Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game

This season, the Orlando offense is ranked 26th in the NBA in scoring at 111.6 points per game. When looking at the team’s pace of play, the Magic are currently below the league average in possessions per game, averaging just 99.1 per contest. If the Magic offense is going to turn things around, they will need to either generate more possessions or improve their overall efficiency. Currently, they are just 23rd ranked team in 3-point shooting percentage.

Currently, the Magic defense is ranked 20th in points allowed. So far, opposing teams are averaging 112.23 points per game vs the unit.

Small-Forward Franz Wagner currently leads the Magic at 18.7 points per game. For the season, he is 97th in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 16.3% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Wagner is averaging 3.9 boards and 3.4 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 2nd ranked defense at defending small-forwards. Paolo Banchero enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 63 games, he is averaging 20.1 and is 165th in the league in player efficiency rating.

The Clippers come into today’s game as the 21st ranked scoring offense at 112.8 points per game. The Clippers come into the game as one of the league’s better 3-point shooting teams, connecting at a rate of 12.7 made 3’s per game. If the Clippers offense is going to improve, they could look to play at a faster tempo, as they currently average just 98.0 possession per game. This could benefit the team as they are currently one of the better 3-point shooting units in the NBA.

Against the Magic, the Clippers will look to continue their strong defensive play. For the year, they are the 11th ranked unit at 108.39 points per game.

A key injury to note in this game is the absence of the Clippers 2nd leading scorer, Kawhi Leonard. In his 42 games, Leonard is averaging 23.8 points per game while dishing out 3.9 assists and grabbing 6.4 rebounds. In his absence, the team will be looking for even more production out of Paul George, who leads the team and is 28th in the NBA at 23.7 points per contest. For the season, he has connected on 45.7% of his field goal attempts while taking 20.6% of the team’s shots from the floor.