The Minnesota Timberwolves (25-10) travel to face off against the Orlando Magic (21-15) on Tuesday, January 9th. This game will be played at Kia Center in Orlando and televised on BSF. The Magic are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Timberwolves are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Hawks. Tip-off is set for 7:00 ET.
Timberwolves vs Magic
The Timberwolves Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
In their most recent game, the Timberwolves fell to the Mavericks by a score of 115-108. The Timberwolves turned the game around and came out on top, despite being in a trailing position at halftime with 60-56.
In their last three games, the Timberwolves have gone 1-2 and are coming into their matchup with the Magic with an overall record of 25-10. When facing other teams in the Western Conference, they are 18-6 compared to a 7-4 record against non-conference opponents.
Minnesota currently has an ATS record below .500, sitting at 16-18 at this point. On the road, the Timberwolves have an ATS record of 8-10 compared to a 8-8 record vs. the spread at home.
The Magic Are Coming Off A Win
The Magic took down the Hawks in their most recent game with a final score of 117-110. Turning the tide, the Magic picked up the win, overcoming a halftime deficit of 60-51.
So far this season, the Magic are 21-15 overall and have gone 2-1 in their last three games. In Eastern Conference games, the Magic are 15-9 compared to 6-6 in non-conference games.
Orlando is currently performing above .500 against the spread with an ATS record of 25-11. As the favorite this season, Orlando is 9-3 vs. the spread while going 16-8 as the underdog.
Timberwolves Offense Breakdown
Through 35 games the Timberwolves are averaging 112.9 points per contest, placing them 22nd in the NBA. So far, the Timberwolves are averaging 97.9 possessions per game, which places them below the NBA average. This deliberate style of basketball has played a role in the unit ranking just 25th in made shots per game.
Magic Offense Breakdown
Through 36 games games, Orlando is averaging 113.9 points per game (19th). When looking at the Magic pace of play, they tend to play an up-tempo style of basketball. So far, the team is in the upper half of the NBA in possessions per game, averaging 99.8. Although the team is playing at an up-tempo speed, they would benefit from scoring with more efficiency, as they are just 16th in the league in overall field goal percentage, at 53%.
Timberwolves Team Defense
So far this season, the Timberwolves defense has been performing well, ranking 1st in the NBA at 107.7 points allowed per contest. Inside the arc, the Timberwolves defense is giving up a shooting percentage of 50.8% and 34.8% from three-point territory.
Magic Team Defense
Coming into today’s game, the Magic’s defense is giving up an average of 111.9 points per contest. When it comes to defending inside the arc, the Magic squad is permitting opposing teams to shoot at a clip of 54.6% inside the arc, and they’re also giving up 35.7% from downtown.
Key Players For The Timberwolves And Magic
In today’s game, we anticipate Anthony Edwards leading the scoring for the Timberwolves, contributing 25 points while shooting 9/20 from the field. For the season, he has been averaging 26.8 points per game, in addition to 5.4 rebounds.
On the flip side, our predictions place Paolo Banchero as the leading scorer for the Magic. We expect him to conclude the game with a team-high 20 while also collecting 7 rebounds. This season, he is shooting at a field goal percentage of 46.1%, and his scoring average is 23.1 points per game.
Timberwolves vs Magic Trends
- Across their three previous road games, Minnesota has an ATS mark of 1-2. Their straight up record in these matchups was 1-2 while averaging 112 points per game.
- Across their last three home contests, Orlando has a 2-1 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 1-2, while averaging 124 points per game.
- As the betting underdog, the Magic have an ATS record of 3-0 in their last three games. In these matchups their, straight up record was 2-1.
- The last ten games that Minnesota was favored, they have an ATS mark of 4-6 while going 7-3 straight up.
Timberwolves vs Magic Prediction
The Timberwolves is our selection to secure the victory, with a projected score of 116-109. We also like them to cover the spread, so we suggest betting on the Timberwolves at -5.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 218, and our model projects the Timberwolves and Magic to reach a combined total of 225 points. Our bet is on taking the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are 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.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:January 9, 2024 Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic, Teams