Suns vs. Magic Picks, Prediction for Sunday, Jan. 28
Here's everything you need to know about Suns vs. Magic on Sunday, Jan. 28 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today.
The Suns came up just short of winning an eighth straight game as they lost to the Pacers on the road 133-131 despite Devin Booker's historic 62-point performance on Friday night.
Phoenix led by as many as 11 points in the fourth quarter and didn't fall behind until an Obi Toppin layup with 3.1 seconds remaining in the game. However, the Suns were likely the better team on the night after shooting 57.3% from the floor compared to 53.2% for the Pacers.
Phoenix also held the largest lead in the game of 17 points, while Indiana only led by as many as six.
Phoenix now visits Orlando to take on the Magic as a short road favorite. The Magic have gotten the bulk of the early money, but will they have enough firepower to keep pace with a Suns offense that's been scorching hot?
Let's get to our Suns vs. Magic prediction and pick.
Suns vs. Magic Prediction
Pick: Suns ML -118
Suns Offense Is Humming
The Suns have averaged 123.9 points per contest over their last eight games, and according to NBA.com, they're now up to ninth in Offensive Rating (117.7).
On any given night, any of the Suns' superstars can beat you, and they also have a fourth player, Grayson Allen, who's more than capable of playing a deputizing role. In the third game of their winning streak, Allen led the Suns with 29 points against the Kings.
However, the Suns could probably use some help on defense. Per TeamRankings, they're currently 16th in Defensive Efficiency as they are allowing 112 points per 100 possessions.
Nonetheless, the Suns defense ranks ahead of the Bucks defense (19th), and Milwaukee is tied for the league's second-most wins (32). It'll be interesting to see if Phoenix targets a more defensive-minded player ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
Magic Shooting Poorly
The Magic have drastically cooled off following a 16-7 start to the season as they are 7-15 since then.
During this recent downturn, Orlando ranks 27th in Offensive Rating and is averaging 110.4 points per 100 possessions. Orlando has just two wins in its last nine games, with its Offensive Rating dropping to 107.7.
The Magic rank 25th in Effective Field Goal Percentage (52.9%), which is adjusted to account for 3-point field goals being worth more than 2-pointers. Orlando attempts only 31.4 3-pointers per game, which is 27th in the league.
Moreover, Orlando shoots a league-worst 34% from beyond the arc and makes the fewest 3-point field goals per game (10.7). While those shoddy numbers explain why Orlando doesn't take a ton of 3-pointers compared to other teams, this hesitancy stunts the Magic's offensive upside and ability to progress as a young team.
Suns vs. Magic Picks, Odds
| Suns Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-1.5 -110 | 227.5 -108/-112 | -118 |
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+1.5 -110 | 227.5 -108/-112 | -102 |
Phoenix is dealing with some injuries following the Pacers game as center Jusuf Nurkic has a sprained left thumb while Beal sustained a nasal fracture trying to draw a charge.
These injuries could explain why the Suns were bet down to -1.5 at some sportsbooks after opening as 3.5-point favorites. Yet, neither player has been downgraded from questionable to doubtful, as they're both listed as game-time decisions.
What really jumps out to me is that the Suns are 8-2 against the spread (+5.64 units) when coming off a loss where they scored 131 or more points.
With the Suns now an even shorter favorite, I think the price is right to back them on the moneyline at -118 odds at DraftKings.
