A defensive struggle should be expected when the Orlando Magic (13-17) and the Philadelphia 76ers (23-10) battle at Amway Center. The game will air on NBATV at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 27, 2019.
Philadelphia opened as a 3-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 209 points.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic ATS Prediction
The 76ers come in on a high note after topping the Milwaukee Bucks in their last matchup, 121-109, as 2.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (230) were over the projected point total of 221. The 76ers knocked down 12 of their 15 free throws (80.0 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 6.1 (better than their season average of 13.5). With 31 points on 11-for-21 shooting, Joel Embiid was the top scorer from either team.
In the Magic’s previous game, they beat the Chicago Bulls, 103-95, covering as 5-point favorites. The total points for the game (198) came in under the projected point total of 206. The Magic had a better free throw rate (0.185 vs. 0.136) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.543 (above their season average of 0.489). With 16 points and 11 rebounds, Orlando’s Aaron Gordon had a good game.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Gordon recorded 18 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists and the Magic defeated the 76ers 112-97, covering as 2.5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 209 points, which was just 2 points above the projected point total of 207 points. The Magic knocked down 26 of their 34 free throws (76.5 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (11.4 vs. 13.4).
Philadelphia heads into the contest with records of 23-10 straight up (SU) and 16-14-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the 76ers’ 33 games, 17 have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Orlando is 13-17 SU and 12-14-4 ATS. Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of Magic games, with 16 overs compared to 14 unders.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the league’s slowest-paced teams clash. Orlando ranks 29th in possessions per game (99.8) and Philadelphia is 21st (101.5). Additionally, the 76ers rank 23rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.187), while the Magic rank second in opponents’ FTA rate (0.162).
Philadelphia 76ers at Orlando Magic Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Philadelphia is 7-7-1 ATS on the road with 8 overs, 6 unders and 1 push.
At home, Orlando is 5-8-2 ATS with 8 unders and 7 overs.
In contests where they allow under 100 points, Philadelphia is 10-0 and Orlando is 7-3.
The Magic are 10-8 when they reach the century mark, while the 76ers are 20-5.
Philadelphia ranks fourth in assists per game (26.7) while Orlando ranks 22nd (22.7).
The 76ers rank first in rebounds allowed per game (40.1) while the Magic rank 16th (45.8).
Philadelphia ranks 11th in points in the paint per game (48.1) while Orlando ranks 25th (44.4).
The Magic rank second in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.5) while the 76ers rank 15th (17.0).
Philadelphia ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (27.5) while Orlando ranks 12th (33.2).
The Magic rank fifth in steals allowed per game (6.9) while the 76ers rank 13th (7.8).
Philadelphia ranks second in second chance points allowed per game (11.1) while Orlando ranks eighth (12.2).
The Magic rank second in blocks per game (6.6) while the 76ers rank seventh (5.9).
Philadelphia ranks 12th in fast break points per game (13.9) while Orlando ranks 14th in fast break points allowed per game (12.8).
Over its last five outings, Philadelphia is 3-2 ATS with 5 overs.
Orlando is 2-1-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over its last five games.
The 76ers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 5.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Magic have scored an average of 108.4 points per game (4.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 110.8 points per game (5.9 above their season average).
