The Orlando Magic (20-17) and Brooklyn Nets (11-22) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The game will be broadcast live on YES.
The Magic are 2-point favorites over the Nets on the spread (Magic -2), with the over/under set at 222.5 total points. Orlando is a -130 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Brooklyn is +110 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Magic vs. Nets predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, January 7.
Magic vs Nets Prediction
- Magic vs Nets pick: Anthony Black Over 8.5 Rebounds + Assists (-105)
My Nets vs Magic best bet is on Anthony Black to record over 8.5 rebounds and assists, with the best price currently available at bet365. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Magic vs Nets Odds
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -110 | 222.5 -110o / -110u | -130 |
| Nets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -110 | 222.5 -110o / -110u | +110 |
Magic vs Nets NBA Preview
Remember when the Orlando Magic had their run? Well, they're just 7-8 since December 3, and right now, are very short-handed while led by Paolo Banchero, who is still a season-long (and career-long) net negative.
Orlando is -1.0 with Banchero on the court this season per 100 possessions, and a -5.2 on/off net.
He's 11th and 12th in those categories on his own team, and among those below him are Tyus Jones, who looks like he'd struggle in the EuroLeague, Jett Howard, who many thought would be a bust as soon as he was drafted, and Orlando Robinson, who has four appearances this season.
You nerds might win this one.
Meanwhile, the Nets are messing up their own tank because Michael Porter Jr. finally looks close to the guy he projected to be as a high schooler. Brooklyn's defense has been elite for a month, and they're actually 7-6 since December 1.
Ben Saraf (knee) and Haywood Highsmith (knee) are out for the Nets.
For Orlando, Franz Wagner (ankle), Jalen Suggs (knee), and Mo Wagner (ACL recovery) are out.
Magic vs Nets Prediction, Betting Analysis
I saw a lot of people bitching about Anthony Black last night because they had his points or PRA and he flopped with a 6-of-10 display.
Otherwise, he's been great lately, and more than his scoring, his rebounds and assists have been consistent.
Bet365 is offering over 8.5 at -105, and Black is over this in 14-of-17. You give me this run and it's hard to turn down.
Black is also going against an improved Nets defense, although they still allow the fifth most assists and 14th most rebounds per 100 possessions this season. Still without Wagner and Suggs, Black is expected to play a big role once again beside Banchero.
Pick: Anthony Black Over 8.5 Rebounds + Assists (-105)
