Subscribe
Follow Us
The NBA has finally returned. The Orlando Magic will take on the San Antonio Spurs in a competitive opening matchup for both teams. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Magic-Spurs prediction and pick.
Both of these teams came up short last season. The Magic had a disappointing record of 21-51, which earned them a 14th-place finish in the Eastern Conference. The Spurs were a bit more competitive, finishing last season with a record of 33-39 and barely making the play-in tournament, only to lose. The Magic and Spurs will be looking to start the season off strong and gain some momentum early. This is a winnable game for both teams and should be competitive through four quarters.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the line for Wednesday night's matchup.
NBA Odds: Magic-Spurs Odds
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Magic: +6.5 (-110)
Spurs: -6.5 (-110)
Over 212: (-110)
Under 212: (-110)
Why The Magic Could Cover The Spread
The Magic had a very disappointing season last year. They were only able to secure 21 wins across 72 games. They peaked in their first eight games when they started the season off 6-2 and then things went downhill, leading to a fire sale and a rebuild. Orlando traded off Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier to start a youth movement, and there are some intriguing young players on this roster.
Injuries had a serious impact on this Magic team. Jonathan Isaac suffered a season-ending ACL tear. While he won't play in this game, the Magic will look to bring him back as the season progresses. Markelle Fultz, who also suffered a season-ending ACL tear, also won't be available for the opener against San Antonio. However, this opens up the door for Orlando's young team to display its potential.
Article Continues Below
The Magic drafted Jalen Suggs with the fifth overall pick in the NBA Draft and will look to him to step up right away. With injuries and nothing to lose, Suggs will get the opportunity to showcase his talents. If Suggs can help start something for this team, that could trigger a huge momentum shift. While the Magic aren't the favorite for this game, don't count out a young team that is hungry to start the season off right.
Why The Spurs Could Cover The Spread
While the Spurs fell short of the playoffs by losing in the play-in tournament, they still were a competent team. They won nearly 50% of their games and were a solid overall basketball squad. They may not be the same Spurs that won a championship in 2014, but they're rebuilding to once again become top competitors in the NBA. Some bright spots from last year include wins against the eventual title contenders. San Antonio beat both Milwaukee and Phoenix during the regular season. The Spurs are an intriguing team and should be able to take care of business during their home opener.
The leader of this Spurs team has become Dejounte Murray. Murray has improved every season that he has been in the league. Last season was a big step up for the young guard. He averaged career highs in points, rebounds, and assists. Murray will look to continue his improvement and will have the opportunity to do so this season. Look for Murray to both have a big game in the opener and make strides toward having an impressive season for San Antonio.
Another bright spot for this rebuilding Spurs team has been Jakob Poeltl. Poeltl was an impact player for the Spurs as the season went on and developed into a reliable center every night. He is a big body as a 7-footer and nearly averaged a double-double last season. As his minutes increase, so will his production. The Spurs are looking good for their home opener, and barring any injuries should be able to take down the rebuilding Magic.
Final Magic-Spurs Prediction & Pick
Neither of these teams were particularly impressive last season, but there is still a clear pick for this game. The Spurs should have no problem dismantling a crippled Magic team. If Orlando was at full health, this game would definitely be closer. But San Antonio at home and at mostly full strength is simply a better team. The over on this line isn't a bad pick either. These teams should be able to combine for over 212 without much trouble. Pick San Antonio to win and cover, as they should be able to handle Orlando without much trouble.
FINAL PICK: San Antonio Spurs -6.5 (-110)
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Spurs 118 – Magic 105
