Magic vs. Wizards: 3 Best Bets
The Orlando Magic has soared up the standings in the Eastern Conference since the All-Star Break, and have gotten all the way up to fourth place, which means Orlando will get to host a playoff series if they can continue their efforts.
On the other hand, the Washington Wizards have been in a free fall, and have tied the Pistons for the worst record in the league. The Wizards have been bad all season, so Orlando should be able to escape the capital with a win.
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Orlando has beaten Washington in all three of the previous matchups, so the Magic will be going for a season sweep tonight.
Both teams have two players listed on the injury report. Jonathan Isaac and Gary Harris are out, and Washington has Marvin Bagley III and Isaiah Livers listed out.
Keep it posted here for our three best bets, powered by the lines at SI Sportsbook.
The Lines
Point spread: Wizards +6.5 (-105)/Magic -6.5 (-110)
Money line: Wizards (+220)/Magic (-300)
Over/under: 224.5
Our Picks
Safe pick: Paolo Banchero OVER 23.5 points (-110)
Paolo Banchero has led the Magic on a four-game win streak, and he should be expected to make it five in a row tonight. Averaging 19.3 points against Washington--brought down by a six-point dud--Banchero has elevated himself to superstar status lately, averaging 26.6 points over his last three games on wildly efficient shooting within the arc. Expect those trends to continue against a bad Washington defense.
Opponent pick: Kyle Kuzma OVER 21.5 points (-125)
Kuzma has had Orlando's number all season, averaging 22.3 points against the Magic. Plus, he has taken Washington's offense over, averaging 25.8 points over his last five games, against teams that are solid on defense. Expect the trend to continue.
Parlay pick: Jalen Suggs OVER 10.5 points and Magic -6.5 (+250)
Aside from the second meeting between these two teams that saw Orlando sneak away with a five-point victory, all of the matchups have been decisive. Orlando is cruising, and the Wizards have lost 15 straight. They are a broken team. Jalen Suggs has been solid recently on both ends of the court, averaging 10 points over his last three games. Against Washngton's poor defense, which he sliced up for 22, 15, and 11 in the previous matchups, he should ball out.
