Orlando Magic Travel to New Orleans to Face the Pelicans

The Orlando Magic are essentially eliminated from the NBA Playoffs this season. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t try to win a few games before the end of the year. On Wednesday, they’ll get a more favorable matchup than they did the night before.

Facing the Pelicans on night two is a much better opponent for them. Especially since they just faced the No.1 Phoenix Suns. 

The New Orleans Pelicans currently have the No.10 spot in the Western Conference. In order to keep it, they’ll need to get a few wins. The good news for the Pelicans is they’ve been on quite the streak lately. They won four games in a row beating the Suns, Lakers, Kings, and Jazz.

Could the Pelicans be real contenders in the Western Conference? We’ll have to wait and see. 

Game Preview: Orlando Magic at New Orleans Pelicans March 9th

The Magic is among the worst in the NBA, averaging only 103.97 points per game. With such a poor offense, they’ll have trouble putting up points against New Orleans.

It’s also unfortunate that they have one of the worst defenses in the NBA, allowing 111.72 points per game. These poor outputs on offense and defense are why the Magic are last in the Eastern Conference.

The New Orleans Pelicans have surged forward after adding C.J. McCollum to the team. McCollum and Ingram are a duo that is gaining traction and winning games. Over the last four games, the Pelicans have scored over 115 points.

One of the teams the Pelicans beat is the best team in the Western Conference. If they can keep this up, the Pelicans could be lethal. 

Orlando Magic at New Orleans Pelicans Betting Prediction

The important part when betting on this game is how much will the spread be. The last time these two teams played, the Pelicans came in as 4.5-point favorites. This margin will likely increase since the Pelicans have added C.J. McCollum.

However, it shouldn’t go over around seven points. If it’s in that area, the New Orleans Pelicans will be your best bet on Wednesday.

The other thing worth noting is the Pelicans have a good record against the spread at home. At the time of writing, the Pelicans are 17-14-1, not a bad record for the season so far.

Comparing that to the Magic’s record of 29-36 ATS, you’ll see the Pelicans are a better pick. There are also quite a few injuries to the Magic’s lineup, making their chances of covering the spread slimmer. 

Betting on the total in this game is quite interesting, considering the teams. On the one hand, the Magic have a terrible offense. On the other, their defense is known for giving up tons of points.

The last time these two played, the total was set at 211, and it barely went over. If the total is 215 and below, we’d suggest betting the over.

* All odds provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.