The New Orleans Pelicans (42-26) travel to face off against the Orlando Magic (41-28) on Thursday, March 21st. This game will be played at Kia Center in Orlando and televised on BSF. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 7:00 ET.

Pelicans vs Magic

The Pelicans Are Coming Off A Win

In the game against the Nets, Zion Williamson was the top scorer for New Orleans, recording 28 points. His field goal percentage for the game was 50.6%. As the Pelicans secured the victory with a final score of 104-91, CJ McCollum also chipped in with 16 points.

In their most recent five games, the Pelicans are 4-1 and have an overall record of 42-26. On the road, the Pelicans are 22-13 this season compared to their home record of 20-13.

New Orleans is currently performing above .500 against the spread with an ATS record of 38-29. New Orleans has gone 23-19 against the spread this season when they are the favorites, and they are 15-10 when playing as underdogs.

The Magic Are Coming Off A Win

The Magic notched a win against the Hornets in their most recent game, concluding with a score of 112-92. The start of the second half saw the Magic in the lead, at 67-32.

In their last five games, the Magic are 4-1 and have an overall record of 41-28. As of now, they are 5th in the Eastern Conference and are leading the Southeast division.

Orlando has an overall ATS record of 46-23 for the season so far. Orlando has covered the spread in three straight home games and are 24-9 ATS at home compared to 22-14 on the road.

Pelicans Offense Breakdown

Through 68 games games, New Orleans is averaging 116 points per game (13th).

So far this season, the Pelicans are 13th in the league in scoring at 116 points per game. They have been able to maintain that level of scoring on the road, averaging 115.4 points per game.

Coming into this game, the Pelicans have outscored the NBA average in 54.4% of their games. In terms of pace, they are 17th in the league at 97.6 possessions per game.

When it comes to shooting, New Orleans has been one of the more efficient teams in the league. They are 8th in field goal percentage at 48% and 10th in true shooting percentage.

Magic Offense Breakdown

Through 69 games games, Orlando is averaging 110.8 points per game (26th).

When playing at home, the Magic are averaging 113.6 points per game, which is 19th in the NBA. Overall, they are 26th in scoring at 110.8 points per game. In terms of pace, Orlando is 26th in the league.

Orlando has been effective inside the arc, making 54% of their two-point attempts. However, they are last in the NBA in three-point shooting at just 35%. On average, the Magic are making 11 threes per game.

When it comes to free throws, the Magic are 2nd in attempts and 5th in makes. In terms of offensive rebounds, Orlando is 14th in the league. In terms of assists, the Magic are 27th in the NBA.

Pelicans Team Defense

At present, the Pelicans’ defense is ranked 8th, allowing 110.7 points per game. On two point field goal attempts, the Pelicans’ defensive unit is allowing a field goal percentage of 54.9% and allowing 34.5% from beyond the arc.

Magic Team Defense

Not only do the Magic’s overall defensive numbers look good, as they are 3rd in the league in points allowed. Orlando has also been playing well on defense of late, ranking 15th in the league over their last three games at 97 PPG allowed. So far this season, the Magic’s defense has struggled with fouls, averaging 6th in fouls per contest. On average, opponents are getting to the line 22.6 times per game vs. Orlando.

Key Players For The Pelicans And Magic

For today’s matchup, we project Zion Williamson to lead the scoring for the Pelicans, putting up 22 points and shooting at a rate of 9/15. Throughout this season, his average stands at 22.7 points per game, along with 5.8 rebounds.

As for Orlando, Paolo Banchero is projected to be the primary scorer for the Magic. Our forecast has him finishing the game with 23, and adding 7 rebounds. Throughout the season, he has maintained a 46.6% field goal shooting rate and is averaging 22.7 points per game.

Pelicans vs Magic Trends

• Across their last five road contests, New Orleans has been good against the spread posting a mark of 3-1-1. Their overall mark in these games was 4-1, while averaging 115 points per game.
• In their last ten games at home, the Magic have a straight up record of 7-3 while going 6-4 vs. the spread. The team averaged 104 points per game in this stretch.
• In their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Magic have a straight up record of 4-6 and an ATS mark of 5-5.
• The Pelicans have played well in their last three games as the betting favorite, going 3-0 straight up and 3-0 against the spread.

Pelicans vs Magic Prediction

The Pelicans is our pick to not only win with a projected score of 114-110. But we also favor them to cover the spread. Our bet is on the Pelicans at -2.5.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 208.5 and given that our model is projecting 224 points between the teams, we like the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* 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.