Check out our free Pelicans 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.
Pelicans vs Magic NBA Pick & Preview
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: New Orleans Pelicans at Orlando Magic
- Where: Orlando at Amway Center
- Date: Friday, January 20th
- Betting Odds ORL -1, NO -117 | ORL -103 O/U 227.0
So far, the Pelicans have put together an overall record of 26-19, while going 22-23-0 vs the spread. Over the Pelicans current 2 game losing streak, they have an average scoring differential of -18.0 points per game.
Not only did the Pelicans drop their last game to the Heat. But they also picked up an ATS loss, as they fell by a score of 124-98 as 3 point underdogs. In the defeat, New Orleans did not outscore the Heat in a single quarter. In the loss, CJ McCollum led the team in scoring with 21 points on a field goal percentage of 47.1%.
So far, the Magic have put together an overall record of 16-28, while going 24-19-1 vs the spread. The Magic head into today’s action in the midst of a 2 game losing streak. Their average scoring differential in these defeats is -3.5.
Orlando will be gunning to get in the win column vs New Orleans, as they previously lost to the Nuggets by a score of 119-116. However, because they entered as 11 point underdogs, they came away with an ATS win. Even though Orlando made a substantial comeback in the 2nd half, it was not enough to make up for their 15 point halftime deficit. In the loss, Markelle Fultz led the team in scoring with 20 points on a field goal percentage of 80.0%.
Head To Head Recap & Stats
In the 2021-2022 regular season, the Magic and Pelicans split their head-to-head season series. In these matchups, each team won on their opponents home floor. Similar to their season-long average, the Pelicans averaged 106.0 points per game vs the Magic. Just like the Pelicans, the Magic maintained their usual level of scoring in head-to-head matchups, averaging 106.0 points per game vs New Orleans. Although the Magic have the better ATS mark across the previous 5 head-head matchups at 3-2, the average scoring margin sits in favor of New Orleans, as they averaged 116 points per game while allowing 112. New Orleans and Orlando averaged a combined 228 points per game in these games, leading to an over-under mark of 4-1.
Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game
For the season, the New Orleans offense is the 9th ranked unit in the NBA, at 116.6 points per contest. In terms of pace, the Pelicans are on the top units in the NBA, averaging 100.8 possessions per game. Heading into the game, the Pelicans will look to continue with their formula of playing fast and getting to the basket, as they are near the top of the league in two-point fields made per game.
Against the Magic, the Pelicans will need a stronger defensive effort as they are ranked just 13th in points allowed.
A key injury to note in this game is the absence of the Pelicans 2nd leading scorer, Zion Williamson. In his 29 games, Williamson is averaging 26.0 points per game while dishing out 4.6 assists and grabbing 7.0 rebounds. In his absence, the team will be looking for even more production out of CJ McCollum, who leads the team and is 41st in the NBA at 21.3 points per contest. For the season, he has connected on 43.5% of his field goal attempts while taking 20.8% of the team’s shots from the floor.
This season, the Orlando offense has had their problems scoring the ball as they are a below average unit at 110.5 points per game. So far, the Magic are averaging 98.8 possessions per game, which places them below the NBA average. A key aspect of the team’s offensive struggles is the fact that they not only play at a slow pace, but they struggle to score inside. Heading into today’s game, Orlando is just 15th in shots made inside the arc.
Currently, the Magic defense is ranked 20th in points allowed. So far, opposing teams are averaging 112.23 points per game vs the unit.
One situation to keep an eye on leading up the game is the availability of Franz Wagner, as he is currently questionable on the injury report. If he is able to play, the team will have it’s 1-2 punch availble as Wagner leads the team in scoring at 20.3 points per game while Banchero is 2nd at 21.1. For the season, Wagner is 80th in the NBA in usage rate and 106th in player efficiency. Behind him, Banchero has taken 18.5% of the team’s field goal attempts, connecting at a rate of 43.9%.
Pelicans vs Magic Pick
- Free Spread Prediction: Magic -1
- Free Total Prediction: Under 227.0
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