The No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers and No. 5 Orlando Magic will meet in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs in a battle of one team trying to erase the pain of last year’s early exit while the other is trying to build on a breakthrough regular season. The Cavaliers lost 4-1 in the first round a year ago, while the Magic are back in the postseason for the first time since the 2020 bubble.
Here’s a look at how the teams stack up against each other and our prediction on who will win the series, with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Cavaliers vs. Magic predictions
Odds to win series: Cavaliers -195, Magic +165
Regular season record: Cavaliers 48-34, Magic 47-35
Head-to-head record: Tied 2-2
As is typically the case with the 4-5 matchup, these teams were even during the regular season. The Cavaliers battled through some injuries, with every key starter except Jarrett Allen missing time. Cleveland should be relatively intact for the first round. The Magic got off to a hot start and cooled down a bit as teams started to take them seriously, but managed to get a win on the final day of the regular season to secure an automatic playoff spot. Cleveland has more depth and experience, while Orlando has young talent ready to make the most of this opportunity.
Pick: Cavaliers in 6 games (+500)
Both Cleveland and Orlando were exceptional defensive teams during the regular season, so this should be a bit of a rock fight. Even though the Cavaliers have now had a second year to gel with each other, they might not have perfect chemistry given the injuries. Donovan Mitchell is a proven playoff performer though, which helps in a series where the best offensive player has to step up. Darius Garland and Evan Mobley should be ready for the spotlight after looking overwhelmed in last year’s first round series against the Knicks.
Paolo Banchero is a superstar in the making for Orlando. The point forward was the clear Rookie of the Year last season and made the leap to be an All-Star this year. He could contend for All-NBA next season if he keeps up this growth. Franz Wagner is a perfect running mate for Banchero, while Wendell Carter Jr. hopes to make an impact in the post as he recovers from a back injury he suffered late in the season. It’s a young group but one that is fearless and can play loose with nothing to lose. That can be dangerous, especially against a Cleveland team that has some expectations.
I think the Magic put up a decent fight with Banchero and Wagner but the Cavaliers still have the best player in the series in Mitchell. Ultimately, Cleveland’s experience proves to be the difference in this series. Give me the Cavaliers to win in six games and advance to the second round.