Orlando Magic vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction, Picks, Odds, Injury Report 3/21/24

With both teams residing fifth in their respective conferences, and both coming off winning streaks, it’s no surprise to see NBA betting markets make it a tough game to call between the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans. Built around ascendant young talent, these two teams are must-watch down the stretch as they prepare for the Playoffs. The Pelicans are slightly favored to win tonight at 1.74 odds while the Magic are home dogs at 2.15 odds. The handicap is set at 2.5 points and the total points line is 207.5.

Read below for our Magic vs Pelicans prediction and picks from US sports expert Sam Cox. For more free basketball tips, visit the bettingexpert community, and for more expert tips, visit our Expert Insights section.

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MAGIC VS PELICANS Prediction and Picks: SAME-GAME PARLAY at 3.20 Odds

Over 208.5 total points

It’s not often we see a total as low as this in 2024. There’s good reason for it – Orlando has played at the third-slowest pace since the break. Both teams are elite defensively. Both have gone under the total more often than not. The Magic have also gone under this number in four of their last six.

Still, the sheer offensive talent on the floor pushes us towards the over here. Orlando has scored 111 or more points in each of their last four wins. New Orleans has scored 112 or more points in seven of their last 10.

All we need is both teams to get to 105 and we hit the over here. That seems like a worthwhile wager, particularly with the Pels sitting around league average in pace.

Franz Wagner under 1.5 made threes

It doesn’t make much sense for Franz Wagner’s made threes line to be at 1.5. He’s shooting a career-worst 28.9% from beyond the arc. Yes, the Pelicans give up the second-most threes in the league, but they tend to be selective in who they let shoot the ball.

The German has made just four threes in his last 11 games. Three of those came in one outing. That leaves him with 10 games with under 1.5 threes in his last 11 and he’s not made a single three in nine of those.

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Magic vs Pelicans Game Info

• Game Day: March 21st, 2024
• Time: 7:10 PM ET
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Arena: Kia Center

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MAGIC VS PELICANS STATS AND FACTS

•         The Magic have won the last three meetings between the two teams, including both games this season.
•         New Orleans has the fourth-best net rating this season and the second-best since the All-Star break.
•         Orlando is 11-3 since All-Star with the fifth-best net rating.
•         The Magic force the most opponent turnovers in the league, but also rank in the bottom three for turnover rate on offense.
•         Only six teams generate more turnovers than the Pels.

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Magic vs Pelicans Betting Odds: Magic Streak OVer?

Bet365 Odds	Moneyline	Over/Under 207.5	Handicap +/- 2.5
Orlando Magic	2.15	1.90	1.90
New Orleans Pelicans	1.74	1.90	1.90

Odds available as of March 21st 2024. Odds may now differ. 

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Orlando Magic vs New Orleans Pelicans Trends

•         At 46-23, the Magic have covered the spread more frequently than any other team.
•         Orlando is the only team with a better cover rate than the Pelicans.
•         The Pels, however, are only 10-8 ATS as a road favorite.
•         The under has cashed in 56.7% of the Pelicans’ games this season.
•         As an underdog, the Magic have gone under the game total in over 55% of their games.

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Orlando Magic Injury Report: Clear Sheet for Mosley

•         No players on the injury report.

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New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report: Daniels Eyeing Return

•         Dyson Daniels (knee) took part in practice on Monday but is still listed as out for this game.
•         Matt Ryan (illness) is questionable for Thursday’s game.
  

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