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The Orlando Magic (3-6) welcome the New Orleans Pelicans (3-6) to the Kia Center Friday. Tip is set for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Pelicans vs. Magic odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Magic won both meetings last season
The Magic started the season off hot, winning 3 of their first 4 games, but cooled quickly and have lost 5 in a row. The latest was a 118-111 loss at the Indiana Pacers Wednesday, closing as a 5.5-point road underdog. The good news is they scored more than 86 points which it failed to do in the prevoous 2 losses. The Magic are undefeated at home, going 2-0 straight up and 1-1 against the spread (ATS).
The Pelicans lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 131-122 Wednesday, dropping their third straight game. They are 0-3 ATS in those, closing as a 6.5-point underdog against the Cavs. New Orleans is 1-3 straight up on the road and 0-4 ATS in away games. It has scored 111 points or more in 3 of its last 4 games, but has allowed at least 118 in all 4 of those. The Pelicans are led by F Brandon Ingram (24.1 points per game) and F Zion Williamson (22.7 PPG).
Pelicans at Magic odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 12:18 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Pelicans +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Magic -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +4.5 (-110) | Magic -4.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 213.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Pelicans at Magic key injuries
Pelicans
- F Herbert Jones (shoulder) out
- G CJ McCollum (adductor) out
- G Dejounte Murray (hand) out
- F Zion Williamson (hamstring) questionable
Magic
- F Paolo Banchero (oblique) out
- C Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Pelicans at Magic picks and predictions
Prediction
Magic 116, Pelicans 110
Moneyline
PASS.
The Magic are too expensive to play here, and given how they’ve struggled without Banchero, they aren’t worth playing as a significant moneyline favorite. Similarly, the Pelicans are down too many key weapons to assume they can pull off the upset.
Against the spread
BET MAGIC -4.5 (-110).
The Pelicans have struggled the past week, and it hasn’t been against just strong teams either. They lost by 18 at home to the Portland Trail Blazers Sunday and by 15 at home to the Atlanta Hawks Monday. They are 0-3 ATS in their last three, 0-4 ATS on the road and 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games.
The Magic have had offensive issues without Banchoro, scoring 86 or fewer points twice in the last 4 games, but they have been terrific at home. Orlando has scored 117.5 points per game in its 2 home games. Considering those trends, back MAGIC -4.5 (-110).
Over/Under
BET OVER 213.5 (-110).
The Magic are 6-3 O/U on the season and 2-0 O/U at home. They are figuring their offense out without their star as well, putting up 111 on the road against the Pacers in their last game. The Magic’s 3 top scorers after Banchero are shooting at least 45% from the field, so the efficiency is still there.
The Pelicans have been down right awful on defense, allowing at least 126 points in 2 of their last 3 games and at least 118 points in 6 of their last 7 games. As a result, they are 6-3 O/U. New Orleans has scored at least 122 points in 2 of its last 4 games. With all that in mind, back OVER 215.5 (-110).
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