The Wizards are hosting the Magic on Tuesday. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Orlando is favored by 7.5 points and this game carries a total of 233.5 points.
Below, I break down the matchup and provide a pick for the game.
Magic vs. Wizards preview, prediction
The Magic are 20-16 this season, but they have been very up-and-down ever since Franz Wagner went down with a high ankle sprain in early December. With the forward out for the last 12, Orlando is 6-6 and the club ranks 25th in net rating. The Magic haven’t won back-to-back games once during this time and they will be looking to break that trend tonight vs. the Wizards, after defeating the Pacers 135-127 this past Sunday.
In addition to Wagner, Jalen Suggs (knee) will be out tonight, which is a tough break for Orlando, as the great defender easily leads the team in plus/minus this season. The Magic are just 4-4 with both Wagner and Suggs inactive this season, and with them both out, Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane and Wendell Carter Jr. are all going to see expanded roles.
While Orlando has many things working against them tonight, Banchero is finally in good form after a rough start to the season, scoring at least 28 points three straight and the Magic are facing a Wizards team they beat by 31 points back on November 1st.
Washington is just 9-25 and the club ranks 29th in net rating this season, but the Wizards have been playing much better recently, winning four of their last six games, three of which have come on their home floor, which is the case again tonight. Kyshawn George (hip) – who is averaging 15.0 points and 5.1 assists per game this season – is out for the fifth straight game, but in his absence, Tre Johnson has been starting and with the No.6 pick from this past NBA draft in the first unit, Washington has been far better on defense, ranking ninth in defensive rating over it’s last five games, compared to its No.29 ranking for the season.
Headlined by Alex Sarr and the aging CJ McCollum, the Wizards undoubtedly have one of the weakest rosters in the NBA, but seeing them improve on defense is a massive step in the right direction for this club and if Washington can remain focused on that side of the ball tonight, the Wizards will have a real chance against this inconsistent Magic squad.
Magic vs. Wizards pick, best bet
The Magic are the far better team than the Wizards and Orlando should be able to get a win tonight, but it’s difficult to have faith in the Magic covering this 7.5-point spread. Orlando is looking for its second straight win, but as noted above, the team hasn’t won back-to-back games since Wagner got hurt last month.
The Magic are a league-worst 6-13 ATS following a win this season and this improved Washington team should be able to cover on its home floor.
