Step one for the Phoenix Suns to win an NBA Championship was to acquire Kevin Durant. However, as anyone betting on Magic vs Suns will see, finding a way to win a championship, may not be as easy as adding one-star player.
People watching the Phoenix Suns game tonight won’t be able to see Durant, as he is out with an ankle injury. Without Durant, the Suns have suffered tough sledding recently.
Phoenix has lost three straight games and are now 4.5 games behind Memphis Grizzlies for third place in the Western Conference. Orlando Magic players are in the honeymoon phase of their rebuilding project.
With not much expected of the Magic, Orlando has played a scrappy brand of basketball and has put together a few stretches where the Magic appear to be a team on the rise. This is one of the NBA matchups where both teams will be looking for a positive result.
Orlando Magic vs Phoenix Suns Odds
Orlando Magic vs. Phoenix Suns Information
Orlando Magic vs Phoenix Suns
Location: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Date and Time: Thursday, March 16, 2023, 10:00 p.m. ET.
How to Watch: NBA League Pass
Orlando Magic vs. Phoenix Suns Recent Scores
Anyone making NBA picks today will see the Magic won the previous meeting between the two teams, 114-97.
Orlando Magic vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Analysis
Orlando Facts to Know
The Orlando Magic had a difficult start to the four-game road trip it is currently on for its NBA schedule. Orlando lost to San Antonio Spurs, possibly the league’s worst team, by 18 points. It’s been part of a slide where the Magic have lost four of its past five games. Orlando is 3-7 against the spread over its past 10 games.
NBA player stats show that Paolo Banchero is likely headed for the Rookie of the Year award. The Magic power forward is averaging 20.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. He is supported by Franz Wagner, who averages 18.7 points per game.
Orlando has been a good shooting team, according to NBA team stats. The Magic shoots 53.9 percent from the field. Orlando has been just OK from the 3-point line, making 34.8 percent of its attempts. Magic vs Suns betting shows the Magic could use some better shooting from the perimeter.
Phoenix Facts to Know
While Magic vs Suns betting will show that Phoenix has lost three straight, the Suns haven’t had an easy stretch of games. Phoenix lost those three games to Sacramento Kings, Golden State and Milwaukee, all teams contending for the Western Conference playoffs. The Suns have had a lot of defensive issues, allowing more than 120 points in two of those three games.
Devin Booker has carried the scoring for Phoenix, leading the team in its last four games. The Suns have gone 5-4-1 against the spread over the past 10 games. Phoenix has seen the over go 4-1-1 over the past six games.
Updates
There is no timetable set on the NBA injury report for Durant’s return, as the Suns want to make sure he is healthy for the postseason. Orlando shooting guard Gary Harris is listed as day-to-day.
Orlando Magic vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Preview
NBA odds today show that Phoenix is a 7.5-point favorite. The Suns are -286 on the moneyline, while Orlando is +235. The over/under is at 228 points.
Orlando Magic vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Prediction
Orlando is starting to see some of its younger core have some difficulties down the stretch.
The Magic will be interested to see how the group handles the challenge down the stretch. This is an important game for Phoenix.
The Suns don’t have an easy schedule to end the season and can’t afford to give away games against non-playoff teams to protect their seed.
The Suns will snap its recent run of poor form, covering the spread and grabbing a victory.
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