The Philadelphia 76ers (23-10) visit the Orlando Magic (13-17) Friday at 7 p.m. ET at Amway Center. We analyze the 76ers-Magic odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
The 76ers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 121-109 at home on Christmas Day for a third consecutive win. C Joel Embiid tallied 31 points and 11 rebounds and Philly covered as 2.5-point underdogs and tied a franchise-record with 21 3-pointers.
The Magic, who snapped a three-game skid with a 103-95 home win vs. the Chicago Bulls on Monday, took the first meeting of the season vs. the 76ers 112-97 at home Nov. 13. C Nikola Vucevic led seven Orlando players in double figures with a 25-point outing in that first Philly matchup, plus the Magic outscored the 76ers 32-15 in the fourth quarter.
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76ers at Magic: Key injuries
76ers
- SG Matisse Thybulle (knee) out
Magic
- PF Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) out
- PG Michael Carter-Williams (shoulder) out
76ers at Magic: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Thursday at 10:40 p.m. ET.
Prediction
76ers 112, Magic 105
Moneyline (ML)
I expect the 76ers (-143) to beat the Magic (+120) despite Philly’s 7-8 road record and Orlando’s 9-6 mark at home (Philly is 6-8-1 ATS on the road; Orlando is 5-9-1 ATS at home). Depending on what kind of juice you’re willing to risk, bet either the 76ers ML or the 76ers spread (mentioned below), but don’t bet both.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The 76ERS -3.5 (+105) are the STRONGEST PLAY. I expect them to carry over the momentum from their impressive Christmas Day win vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks into Central Florida. They’ll also be a little extra motivated – and focused – from the 15-point November loss at Orlando.
Every $1.43 wagered on the 76ers to win straight up will profit a $1 if they win. However, they must win by 4 points or more if you’re backing the spread where every $1 wagered will profit $1.05 if they do so.
Over/Under (O/U)
A slight lean to the OVER 208.5 (-115). Both defenses rank in the top five of points allowed: The Magic are third (104.9 PPG) and the 76ers are fifth (105.0). Offensively, the Magic are 29th (out of 30 teams) in PPG (103.5), while the 76ers are 17th (110.1).
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Johnny’s December record: 16-7-1. Strongest plays: 8-2.
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