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The Orlando Magic and Golden State Warriors meet for the first time this season in a cross-conference showdown in San Francisco. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Magic-Warriors prediction and pick.
The Magic hold a record of 9-16 overall, and are 10-15 against the spread. Orlando is coming off a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Warriors stand at 13-12 both and against the spread. In the Warriors’ most recent game, they blew out the San Antonio Spurs in Texas.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Magic-Warriors odds.
NBA Odds: Magic-Warriors Odds
Orlando Magic +8 (-115)
Golden State Warriors -8 (-105)
Over 223 Points (-110)
Under 223 Points (-110)
Why The Magic Could Cover The Spread
The biggest focus for the Magic in this matchup will be taking advantage of Golden State's small roster.
Although Orlando has been slumping recently, Nikola Vucevic has been a bright spot for the team.
Over his last three games, Vucevic is averaging 29 points and 14 rebounds on 51% shooting from the field. The Magic will need a big game out of their best player if they are going to break out of this slump.
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On the offensive end, the Magic should pound the ball inside to Vucevic. On the defensive end, they'll need to funnel the Warriors shooters towards him.
Orlando can not afford to get in a shootout with the Warriors. The need to focus on running Steph Curry and company off the line and into the teeth of the defense.
As long as they don't let this game become a frantic back and forth, the Magic can stick around. Slow the pace down, let Vucevic work on the post, and the game will come down to the wire.
Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread
Without a true center in their last few matchups, the Warriors have resorted to a run and gun style to win games.
Since they lost Kevon Looney to an ankle injury, the Dubs have started to launch three-pointers at will. Over the last four matchups, the Warriors have averaged 41.5 three point attempts per game, a figure that is only lower than the Jazz and Blazers long distance attempts.
With their big men still rehabbing, the strategy for Golden State will be the same here. Get the ball in Curry's hands, let him orchestrate the offense, and knock down open looks.
On the defensive end, the Warriors defense isn't exactly up against a juggernaut.
The Magic average the third fewest points in the league, and hold the lowest field goal percentage of any team.
Adding to the Magic woes is the potential absence of Evan Fournier, Orlando's second leading scorer. Aaron Gordon has already been listed as out for tonight, so an Orlando offense that was already struggling could be even further handicapped.
Barring a meltdown on the defensive end, the Warriors should be able to keep the Magic offense in check enough to pull away in this matchup.
Final Magic-Warriors Prediction & Pick
The spread of this game will be decided by whichever team can control the pace of play. On their home floor, I'll back the Warriors to let the shots fly early and run the Magic off the floor. It's a pretty large spread for a team that is barely over .500, but the Magic haven't been keeping games close recently. I'll take the Warriors to surpass eight points fairly easily and hold on against the offensively challenged Orlando squad.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: GSW 117, ORL 105 (GSW -8)
