Nets vs. Magic: 3 Best Bets
For the fourth and final time this season, the Orlando Magic will tip off against the Brooklyn Nets. The Magic lost the first two games in the season series and will be looking to tie it up at 2-2.
Orlando is coming off two straight losses, which does not bode well for their playoff success. Brooklyn beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last matchup but is comfortably out of the playoff picture and is 11th in the Eastern Conference.
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Brooklyn has Ben Simmons and Dariq Whitehead listed as out, with Cam Johnson questionable. Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs are both questionable for Orlando.
Keep it posted here for our three best bets before tipoff, powered by the lines and odds at SI Sportsbook.
The Lines
Point spread: Nets +6.5 (-105)/Magic -6.5 (-118)
Money line: Nets (+215)/Magic (-300)
Over/under: 205.5
Our Picks
Safe pick: Jalen Suggs OVER 10.5 points (-110)
If Suggs plays, this bet is easy money in the bank. He hasn't been his best against Brooklyn averaging 8.7 points across the three games, but over his last ten appearances, he has tapped into his offensive potential, scoring 12.3 points per game. If he suits up, expect his hot streak to continue.
Opponent pick: Mikal Bridges UNDER 18.5 points (-110)
Bridges has lit up the Magic for 42 points this season, but his four-point outing in the last game with Orlando and his 17.2 average over the last five are not inspiring. Yes, he has found his shot, but he is simply not a volume scorer and has struggled to stuff the stat sheet recently, including against the Magic.
Team pick: OVER 205.5 total points (-110)
Two of the three games have hit this over between these two teams, and in the modern NBA, any line under 212 total points should be met with skepticism. Yes, the Magic have an elite defense and the Nets are inconsistent, especially on the offensive end, but asking for a near-100-point average in 2024 is quite the request.
