There are seven games on the NBA schedule on Thursday, including the New Orleans Pelicans against Orlando Magic. This is the first meeting of the season between the two teams, with Magic having won last season’s series. The Pelicans haven’t beaten Orlando since December 23, 2021.
The Pelicans and Magic currently sit in fifth place in their respective conferences. Both teams have surprised a lot of people this season, led by some star duos and a perfect group of role players.
Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are the pillars of the Pelicans, while Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are the future of the Magic. It’s quite refreshing to see these two teams do better this season and possibly qualify for the playoffs.
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Read also: Paolo Banchero changes his stats after joining elite company with Michael Jordan and LeBron James
New Orleans Pelicans vs Orlando Magic preview, predictions, odds and betting tips
The New Orleans Pelicans vs Orlando Magic game will take place on Thursday at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. It starts at 7:00 p.m. EST and will be televised on Bally Sports New Orleans and Bally Sports Florida.
Money line: Pelicans (-140) vs. Magic (+120)
Spread: Pelicans -3 (-115) vs Magic +3 (-105)
Total (P/U): Pelicans o207.5 (-110) vs Magic u207.5 (-110)
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans are starting to have a stronghold on the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. They are on a three-game winning streak and have won eight of their last 10 games. They started their four-game road trip with a win against the Brooklyn Nets.
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic also look like the potential fifth seed in the East with a 2.5 game lead over the Indiana Pacers. They have won four games in a row and eight of their last 10 games as the Pelicans. They are coming off a resounding victory against the Charlotte Hornets.
New Orleans Pelicans starting lineups, replacements and rotation against Orlando Magic
The New Orleans Pelicans have two players listed on the injury report, with one listed and labeled as questionable. Head coach Willie Green should stick with his usual starting five:
PG: CJ McCollum | SG: Grass Jones | FS: Brandon Ingram | PF: Zion Williamson | VS : Jonas Valanciunas
Green has a nine-man rotation that also involves Trey Murphy III, Larry Nance Jr., Naji Marshall and Jose Alvarado.
On the other hand, the Orlando Magic have a clean slate and no players are on the injury report. Head coach Jamahl Mosley will use the following starting lineup:
PG: Jalen Suggs | SG: Gary Harris | FS: Franz Wagner | PF: Paolo Banchero | VS : Wendell Carter Jr.
Mosley’s current rotation has Cole Anthony as the sixth man, with Joe Ingles, Caleb Houstan and Moritz Wagner also getting minutes.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Orlando Magic predictions
Zion Williamson has a plus/minus of 23.5 points, which is lower than his season average. However, Williamson has scored at least 26 points in his last five games, so bet on him to continue his streak against the Magic.
Paolo Banchero is favored to score under 21.5 points, which is below his season average. Banchero has only topped 21.5 points once in his last four games, but all of them have been failures.
Tonight’s game will likely be close, so bet on Banchero to score more than 22 points because that’s what the Magic need from him to get the win.
Read also: Stephen A. Smith Calls Zion Williamson a ‘Manchild’ While Picking Pelicans as NBA Finals Contenders
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic Prediction
The New Orleans Pelicans are the slight favorites to win against the Orlando Magic on Thursday night. However, this is a balanced matchup between two of the best teams in the NBA this season, with the Magic having the home-court advantage.
Oddsmakers are predicting the Magic to pull off the upset win and cover the spread, while the total is expected to exceed 207.5 points.
