Surging towards a spot in the playoffs, the Orlando Magic (36-26) feature in the second of a back-to-back tonight against the Washington Wizards (9-52). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from Capital One Arena, Washington.
Having won their last four straight, the Magic now occupy the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference standings. Hosts the Wizards will be looking to end a 15-game losing streak, but it will be difficult against an Orlando side full of confidence right now.
BetMGM has the road team listed as 7.5-point favorites tonight with the game total set at O/U 224.5. Our best bet for the matchup is available below!
Last Time Out
Orlando’s defense has been rock solid of late, and they managed to limit the Charlotte Hornets to less than 90 points last night with a 101-89 victory in North Carolina. All-Star Paolo Banchero put up a game-high 22 points, meaning he has now scored at least 20 points in each of his last three games.
The Magic look excellent value to reach the playoffs this season after losing just one of their last eight games. They are 6-1 since the All-Star Break with their only loss coming on the road against the Atlanta Hawks. Their defense has given up just 95.4 points per game (ppg) over the last five.
It has been a season to forget for the Washington Wizards who are down in last place of the Eastern Conference standings, having won just nine of their 61 games. They recorded their 15th straight loss in their last matchup against the Utah Jazz on Monday night, suffering a 127-115 defeat.
One positive, however, was the fact that guard Jordan Poole managed to put up a team-high 32 points against the Jazz. Forward Deni Avdija also had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Still, the Wizards haven’t won since beating the San Antonio Spurs 118-113 at the end of January, and they haven’t recorded a victory on their own court since December.
Injuries & Team News
Gary Harris and Jonathan Isaac are both listed as questionable for the visitors due to respective calf and knee problems. Markelle Fultz is also doubtful with a knee issue. The Magic may have some depth issues tonight.
Isaiah Livers has been ruled out for the rest of the season for Washington, whilst Marvin Bagley III is out for the game tonight with a back injury. Forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. (back) will be a game-time decision.
Head-to-Head
The Magic lead the season series 3-0 thus far and will be looking to complete a full sweep tonight in their visit to the capital. They won 127-119 in their last visit to D.C. on the day after Christmas. Jamahl Mosley’s team won in back-to-back games when they hosted the Wizards at Kia Center earlier on this season.
Betting Trends & Stats
Having put up an average of just 111.3 ppg this season (fourth-least in the league), the visitors have struggled on offense. Even against weak opponents of late, Orlando has averaged just 105.8 ppg over their last five. Nevertheless, they have allowed the third-least ppg in the league (109.5).
Washington has been bang average on offense, scoring at a rate of 114.6 ppg this season. It’s their defense that has let them down as they have allowed the most ppg across the NBA (124.7). That has even marginally increased over their last five, giving up 127.6 ppg.
Boasting the best against the spread (ATS) record in the league, the Magic are 41-21-0 on the season. They have even covered in 60.6% of road games too (third-best in the league) and are 6-2-0 as road favorites. However, they are just 6-6-0 ATS with no rest and are 9-8-0 with a rest disadvantage. Still, the Magic have covered in their last four consecutive matchups.
Nevertheless, the Wizards haven’t exactly made the most of a rest advantage this season, going 6-8-0 ATS. They also have the worst ATS record at home (9-19-0) and have the worst point differential on their own court too (-10.8).
Key Players
Banchero has looked in great shape following his return from illness, averaging 26.7 ppg over his last three. He leads the team in average points (22.9), as well as rebounds (6.8) and assists (5.2). Franz Wagner (20.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists) is another strong player, but he will be looking to snap a three-game streak of scoring 14 points or less.
Having hit 30+ points in three of his last five games, Poole has been in good form for the Wizards. He shot 11 of 18 from the field last time out against the Jazz, also nailing six of his 10 three-point attempts. Kyle Kuzma is the team’s leading points scorer, averaging 22.2 ppg. He has scored at least 20 points in each of his last five outings.
Best Bet
The Magic are on a hot streak right now, and their defense is playing some elite basketball. That should limit the Wizards who can’t buy a win at the moment. Washington has proven that they can put up points, but it will be tough against Orlando.
Although they are playing on the road, and are on the second of a back-to-back, the Magic should be able to get past a woeful Wizards team. They won’t be letting up in their bid to seal their place in the playoffs. We’re backing them to cover the spread in this one.
Orlando Magic -7.5 (-105 with BetMGM)