76ers vs. Magic Odds & Betting Predictions - November 16, 2024

FanDuel

🔑 Sixers ML +114 (FanDuel) 2u Will I ever learn? Probably not. However, Embiid and PG are fully back (at least PG is), the emergence of McCain coupled with the all-stars being back and they are still +money?? I couldn’t pass up on it. The Magic are playing well and are a good home team but Paolo is still out and the Sixers (in theory) are the better team. They can’t keep losing, had to take this. I’m sure I’ll be alone here but had to do it. System gives it a B- grade and a 48% win probability

This is a brutal matchup for Joel Embiid against a Magic defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing centers this season. The Magic also rank 2nd in defensive efficiency this season. Embiid played 26 minutes in his season debut and projections have him at 27 minutes tonight with a 32.14 PRA projection. I do think there's a chance he could see a minute or two more, but I'd be shocked if they pushed him past 30 minutes. Given a likely minute restriction and this poor matchup, I think this is a good time to take less than 36.5 PRA.

Embiid did not look like the reigning MVP in his season debut. He shot 2-of-11 from the field and stumbled to 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists. Embiid labored through 26 minutes and appeared winded for much of the game. I'm expecting him to stay in the 26-28 range here. Orlando is 2nd in defensive rating and 1st in points allowed per game. They've held centers to the fewest points per game, are 9th in rebounding rate, and are 5th in assists allowed per game. It's a tough matchup all around.