The 76ers and Magic will cross paths on Friday night, but both might be missing key players. Read this article to see how this one might go.
The last time the Sixers (9-9) played, they were defeated in Charlotte by another team that was dealing with a number of injuries. The 107-101 decision was the Hornets’ second victory in 13 games, and they did it without standout LaMelo Ball. Meanwhile, Philly was missing Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey.
With them out, Shake Milton, De’Anthony Melton, and Montrezl Harrell turned in solid performances. Milton recorded 22 points, Melton 20, and Harrell 16. The Sixers owned a 13-point lead in the first half.
Philly has lost two of its last three on the NBA schedule after a three-game win streak that included wins over Atlanta, Utah, and Milwaukee at home.
The Orlando Magic schedule shows that the Magic (5-13) are coming off of back-to-back losses at Indiana. Before that three-game road swing that included a win in Chicago, Orlando had a seven-game home stand.
In their most recent game against the Pacers, the Magic lost by a 21-point margin. They’ve lost four of their last five in total. Forward Franz Wagner posted 20 points and went 6-11 from the field. Guard Gary Harris had 18 points off the bench.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic Odds
Looking at the numbers, the home team has the advantage in NBA odds. Orlando is -2 on the basket line at -108, while the Sixers are -112 to cover the spread.
On the moneyline, the Magic are -120, and Philly is a +102 underdog. The total had not been set just yet at the time of this writing.
It would be a good idea to check out how each team and their individuals are doing before we make our 76ers vs Magic picks. Let’s look at some matchup information real quick, then move on to our wager.
Matchup Information
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic Betting Preview
So, before we make any 76ers vs Magic picks, let’s check out each team’s strong suits and weaknesses. For this, we’ll check out NBA team stats, NBA player stats, and the NBA injury reports for both.
Embiid is dealing with a left midfoot sprain, and Maxey has a foot fracture that is keeping both out. Harden also has a foot issue. Guard Matisse Thybulle is day-to-day with an unspecified injury.
With the others out, for the time being, Forward Tobias Harris is the Sixers’ main scoring threat, averaging 15.6 points per matchup. Melton is after him, pouring in 11 points a game. Harris is also the crew’s most consistent rebounder, with 6.1 per game.
The Magic might have to deal without center Moritz Wagner (foot), point guard Markelle Fultz (toe), and forward Paolo Banchero (ankle) in this one. Both Wagner and Banchero’s statuses will depend on their response to treatment, the team’s site reports.
Forward Jonathan Isaac is out indefinitely with a hamstring ailment, while guard Cole Anthony has an issue with his oblique.
Franz Wagner has played in all 18 contests thus far, pinning up 19.3 points per game. Center Wendell Carter Jr. pulls down 9.1 boards each time out, while Jalen Suggs dishes out 5.5 assists per night.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic Betting Preview
Now, let’s make our 76ers vs Magic picks.
This is one of those NBA matchups where things don’t look like they usually do. Both of these teams are hurting, especially without a number of their biggest performers. Really, this game will come down to which squad has a deeper supporting cast.
Philly needs to count on some other players to stay afloat until its trio of stars gets back if it wants to have any chance to fulfill its preseason expectations. The Magic, on the other hand, haven’t had much success since Dwight Howard was around. A handful of lottery NBA picks are still gelling and haven’t translated to the wins column.
For this meeting, our 76ers prediction take them to cover in this one.
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