Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons odds, picks and predictions

The Orlando Magic (7-32) travel to Little Caesars Center Saturday to take on the Detroit Pistons (7-30). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Magic vs. Pistons odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

In a battle of two of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference, the Pistons will welcome the Magic into a building they’ve played much better at this season, 4-13 overall at home.

Both teams have been among the league’s worst at covering the spread: Detroit is 17-20 ATS and Orlando is 17-22 ATS. Detroit will be without its top scorer, Jerami Grant.

With that in mind, wait to bet either way until the status of Orlando’s top players is known. The Magic’s top-two scorers this season are listed as questionable. Orlando has covered five of its last nine games.

Magic at Pistons odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 1:11 p.m. ET.

Money line: Magic +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Pistons -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Magic +2.5 (-112) | Pistons -2.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 212.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Magic at Pistons key injuries

Magic

G Jalen Suggs (thumb) out
G Franz Wagner (ankle) questionable
F Wendell Carter Jr. (hamstring) questionable
G Cole Anthony (ankle) questionable
C Robin Lopez (health and safety protocols) out

Pistons

F Jerami Grant (thumb) out

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Magic at Pistons odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Magic 109, Detroit 106

Money line

“LEAN” to the MAGIC (+110).

Orlando’s leading scorer, Anthony, was also questionable on the team’s injury report against the Sixers and went out and put up 26 points. He should be expected to play.

If so, Anthony will be the best player on the court.

In a game between two of the least efficient teams in the NBA and also two that rank 23rd and 24th in opponents scoring, points may not be easy to come by.

Free-throw shooting could be a key difference in this game. The Magic shoot the 11th-best free-throw percentage and the Pistons give up the 26th-most free-throw attempts.

If Anthony is out, I’d pass this, but if he’s in, I’d consider Orlando the better play.

Against the spread

PASS on the spread. For the mere 2.5 points, I’d prefer the plus-money money line odds.

Over/Under

BET on the OVER 212.5 (-110).

While Unders have been hitting a marginally higher rate, surprisingly, both these teams have seen more Overs hit. Orlando is 20-19 O/U while Detroit is 19-17-1 O/U.

More points than the projected total have been scored for both teams because of their defense. The Pistons have the 22nd-best defensive rating and the ninth-fastest pace while the Magic are 25th and 17th, respectively.

Both teams push the ball and play awful defense. With that in mind, I’d prefer the Over here.

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