76ers vs. Magic: 3 Best Bets
The Orlando Magic defeated the Washington Wizards last night, 127-119. Now, Orlando has to go back out on the court tonight at home against the third-seeded Philadelphia 76ers, who have plenty of rest, last playing on Christmas. Joel Embiid is trying to win his second straight MVP award, but will not play tonight, and the Magic is focused on climbing up the standings in a loaded Eastern Conference.
Paolo Banchero battles past Nic Claxton.
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
The Sixers lost their Christmas matchup with the Miami Heat and will be eager to get back in the wins column. Joel Embiid is out, as is Nic Batum. Orlando will be without the services of Kevin Harris and Markelle Fultz, while Joe Ingles and Jonathan Isaac remain questionable.
Keep up with the latest odds and our best picks, powered by the lines at SI Sportsbook.
The Lines
Point spread: 76ers +2.5 (-118)/Magic -2.5 (-110)
Moneyline: 76ers (+110)/Magic (-137)
Over/under: 228.5
Our Picks
Safe pick: Paolo Banchero OVER 23.5 points (-133)
Banchero scored 24 points in the win over Washington, which isn’t great considering just how bad the Wizards are. He missed a lot of shots, which is not a luxury he will have against a talented Sixers squad, even with Embiid out. However, Banchero gets to go up against Paul Reed and Tobias Harris down low, neither of whom is gifted defensively. After a cold shooting night on Tuesday, Banchero should be a lot more efficient.
Opponent pick: Tyrese Maxey UNDER 29.5 points (-118)
Maxey posted only 12 points on Christmas and has averaged 27.4 points in the five games before that. Plus, with Embiid out, Maxey is slated to have an off night. In three games without his center, Maxey averages only 20.3 points this season. Orlando has an excellent defense, Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, and Anthony Black are all healthy and will be roaming the perimeter, causing problems for Maxey, who should be lucky to score 25 points tonight.
Team pick: Magic +2.5 (-110)
Maxey is slated to have an off night, Embiid is not playing, and the Sixers are coming off a loss and have to play on the road. Everything is looking good for Orlando, who should be able to win by at least a possession. Philadelphia has not won a game without Embidd this year, and against a talented Magic team, that streak shouldn’t stop.
