Magic vs. Raptors prediction, odds, pick, spread

These two teams are fighting to enter this match. Both teams are in a slump and need a win in this game to get back on track. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with Magic-Raptors predictions and picks.

The Magic have been solid as a team this year, but they need to get back on track after a recent slump. They are 23-21 and have lost four straight and five of their last six games. Thanks to Paolo Buncher, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, they have talent but need more consistency. They need to get healthier and find a way to be more consistent on offense. This could be a huge win for the Magic as they need to get back on track.

The Raptors have struggled this season and entered the game at 10-32. RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes are the Raptors’ best players, and they will be asked to carry the Raptors in this game against the Magic and their great defense. The Raptors can make a huge statement at home against one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference.

Here are the Magic-Raptors NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA odds: Magic-Raptors odds

Orlando Magic: -1 (-110)

Moneilines: -118

Toronto Raptors: +1 (-110)

Moneilines: +100

Over: 212.5 (-108)

Under: 212.5 (-112)

How to watch Magic vs. Raptors

Time: 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Florida/TSN

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why would magic cover the spread/win

The Magic’s defense is one of the best in the NBA and has been a key reason why they are winning as much as they are. They are second in points allowed at 104.3 points per game, 18th in field goal percentage defense, allowing 47%, and 20th in three-point defense, allowing 36.4% from behind the arc.

Paolo Banchero leads the team in the standings with 7.5 rebounds per game due to Goga Bitadza who has been out with a concussion. Also, three players are averaging at least one block, with Jonathan Isaac leading the way with 1.3 per game. Finally, five Magic players are averaging at least one steal, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope leading the team with 1.6 steals per game.

The Magic’s defense leads the way. While their offense needs more to play a complete game, this defense has the tools to completely shut down the Raptors in this game.

The Raptors defense also had a rough year. They are 27th in points allowed at 118.5 points per game, 22nd in field goal percentage defense at 47.4%, and 24th in three-point percentage at 37% from behind the arc. Jakob Poetl was a great fall, dominating with 10.6 rebounds per game.

He also leads the team in blocks with 1.2. On the defensive end, two Raptors are averaging at least one steal, with Barnes leading the team with 1.5 per game. As bad as the Raptors have had a defensive season, this is a great matchup because of all the Magic’s offensive struggles. They are more than capable of making this game very sloppy.

Why the Raptors could cover the spread/win

The Magic have arguably the worst offense in the NBA. They are 30th in scoring with 104.2 points per game, 29th in field goal percentage at 44%, and 30th in three-point percentage at 30.4%. Four different Magic players averaged double figures, with banker which is the biggest key in the offense, with 25.2 points per game.

Banchero is also the leader in assists, with 4.8 per game, as Franz Wagner is still sidelined with an oblique injury. This offense has been extremely bad all year, but the Magic have been able to pull through thanks to their defense. They are also a bit injured coming into this match. Still, they should be able to find some offense against the Raptors’ unimpressive defense.

The Raptors offense has been inconsistent and struggling at worst. They are 21st in scoring at 111 points per game, 15th in field goal percentage at 46.7%, and 22nd in three-point shooting at 34.6% from behind the arc. Seven Raptors scored more than double-digits this year, and the best scorer is RJ Barrett with 22.4 points per game.

Scotty Barnes is then the team’s leading passer and leads the team in assists with 6.6 per game. This offense has plenty of roster balance and some really good talent, but the pieces have struggled to fit together consistently. This is also a bad matchup against as elite a defense as the Magic have been.

Final Magic-Raptors Prediction & Pick

The Magic have a defense that travels, but the Raptors win and cover in this matchup. They are healthier and play a little better. Orlando is hard to believe; they also deal with a handful of injuries. Barrett and Barnes should lead Toronto to a narrow win and send the Magic to their fourth straight loss.

Final predictions and picks for Magic-Raptors: Toronto Raptors +1 (-110)