Nuggets vs Magic Pick, Preview & Betting Odds For Thursday, February 9th

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

Nuggets vs Magic NBA Pick & Preview

Sport: NBA
Teams: Denver Nuggets at Orlando Magic
Where: Orlando at Amway Center
Date: Thursday, February 9th
Betting Odds ORL +6.5, DEN -263 | ORL +211 O/U nan

The Nuggets come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 38-17. So far, the team has gone 29-25-1 against the spread. Across the team’s previous 3 games, they have gone 2-1 straight-up and 2-1 vs the spread.

In their previous game, the Nuggets took down the Timberwolves by a score of 146-112. Not only did they come away with a straight up win, but they also covered the spread as 8 point favorites. Denver was able to take care of business in the second half of this game, as they didn’t allow the Timberwolves to cut into their 31 point halftime lead. Leading the team in scoring was Michael Porter Jr., as he contributed 30 points while hitting 73.3% of his shots.

The Magic come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 22-33. So far, the team has gone 31-23-1 against the spread. In the teams past 3 games, their overall mark sits at 2-1. Orlando is 2-1 vs the spread in these matchups.

Orlando is trying to bounce back from a 102-98 loss to the Knicks. Going into this game, the team was 1 point underdogs on the spread, giving them an ATS loss. Orlando went on to lose the game despite leading by 8 heading into halftime. Leading the team in scoring was Markelle Fultz, as he contributed 21 points while hitting 75.0% of his shots.

Head To Head Recap & Stats

I Similar to their season-long average, the Nuggets averaged 112.0 points per game vs the Magic. On the other side, Orlando saw an improvement in their scoring numbers when playing the Nuggets, as they averaged 109.5 points per game in these matchups. When looking at how these teams have performed vs the spread in recent matchups, the Magic have an ATS mark of 4-1. Yet, the Nuggets have averaged more points per game in these contests, at 114 compared to Orlando at 114. In these matchups, the teams have put together an over-under mark of 4-1. Combined, they averaged 222 points in these games.

Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game

Coming into today’s action, Denver is averaging 117.4 points per contest. This figure places them 5th in the league. Coming into today’s game, the Nuggets will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 12.3 made 3’s per game. Denver has managed to put together a strong scoring offense despite being both a below average 3-point shooting unit and ranking just 20th in possessions per game.

Against the Magic, the Nuggets will need a stronger defensive effort as they are ranked just 14th in points allowed.

Before getting a bet down on this matchup, be sure to check in on the health status of Jamal Murray who is 2nd on the team in scoring at 20.2 points per game. At the time of this article, Murray is listed as questionable. For the season, he is 3rd on the team in usage rate and is 72nd in the NBA in player efficiency rating. If he is able to play, Denver benefit from having both of their top scorers as Nikola Jokic leads the team and is 22nd in the league in scoring (24.7). For today’s matchup, he will going against a defense ranked 19th in points allowed to centers.

The Magic come into today’s game as the 28th ranked scoring offense at 111.1 points per game. Coming into today’s game, the Magic will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 10.7 made 3’s per game. If Orlando continues to struggle with their outside shot, they may look to start playing with more pace, as they are currently 19th in the league in possessions per game.

Against the Nuggets, the Magic will need a stronger defensive effort as they are ranked just 20th in points allowed.

Small-Forward Franz Wagner currently leads the Magic at 19.4 points per game. For the season, he is 87th in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 17.1% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Wagner is averaging 4.1 boards and 3.4 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 10th ranked defense at defending small-forwards. Paolo Banchero enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 48 games, he is averaging 20.2 and is 147th in the league in player efficiency rating.