The Detroit Pistons welcome the Orlando Magic to Little Caesars Arena Wednesday as both squads open their seasons. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Magic vs. Pistons odds, and our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Both the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons have been doing their best to rebuild through the draft. The Magic were awarded the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and added Duke F Paolo Banchero, who is expected to start Wednesday.
Orlando finished last in the Eastern Conference last season with just 22 wins. The 5th overall pick from 2021, G Jalen Suggs, is expected to have a larger role on this roster as well.
Detroit is expecting to have a much better season this year with 2021 No. 1 pick G Cade Cunningham entering his 2nd season. G Jaden Ivey was the team’s 1st-round pick, the 5th overall selection in 2022.
Sharpshooter F Saddiq Bey should have a large role offensively along with hustle-minded big man C Isaiah Stewart, who is expected to start at the 5. Detroit finished 14th in the Eastern Conference last season.
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Magic at Pistons odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:05 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Magic +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Pistons -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Magic +3.5 (-110) | Pistons -3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Magic at Pistons key injuries
Magic
- G Markelle Fultz (knee) out
- F Gary Harris (knee) out
- F Jonathan Isaac (knee) out
Pistons
- C Marvin Bagley III (knee) out
- G Alec Burks (foot) out
- F Isaiah Livers (hip) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Magic at Pistons picks and predictions
Prediction
Pistons 110, Magic 104
Moneyline
PASS.
I like Detroit here, but I wouldn’t play the moneyline value with the juice on it. Take the points.
Against the spread
BET PISTONS -3.5 (-110).
The Pistons should have the best player on the court in Cunningham with Isaac out for the Magic. Orlando doesn’t have much efficient playmaking, and its size could be a problem against Stewart as well.
The next generation of Detroit players is more primed for instant success with Cunningham averaging 21 points per game on 45.2% shooting over his final 21 games last season.
Orlando has Suggs, G Cole Anthony and F Franz Wagner who are solid options, but the size and skill along with the home-court edge should give value to Detroit.
Detroit was 22-18-1 against the spread (ATS) at home last season.
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 217.5 (-110).
There are going to be many young players in this game, and while that could result in extra opportunities, there’s a good chance inefficient offense is also the result.
These teams ranked in the bottom 3 in offensive rating last season, and there wasn’t much improvement to either roster outside of rookies who will be making their first NBA start.
Expect inefficient basketball here.
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