Trail Blazers vs. Magic prediction, odds, selection, spread

The Trail Blazers are having a tough year, but they enter this match on a winning streak. The Magic enter this match on a four-game losing streak. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with Trail Blazers-Magic predictions and picks.

The Trail Blazers have won two straight games, but are having a rough season overall as they go 15-28. Anfernee Simmons and Shaedon Sharpe make up this offense and are the biggest reason the Trail Blazers have a chance in this matchup. This would be a great opportunity to continue their winning streak against a solid team in the Eastern Conference.

The Magic have been solid as a team this year, but have struggled recently. They are 23-22 and have lost four straight and six of their last seven games. Thanks to Paolo Buncher, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, they have talent but need more consistency. They need to get healthier and find a way to be more consistent on offense. This is a great opportunity for them to get back on track.

Here is Trail Blazers-Magic NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA Odds: Trail Blazers-Magic Odds

Portland Trail Blazers: +9 (-110)

Moneiline: +310

Orlando Magic: -9 (-110)

Moneilines: -390

Over: 208.5 (-112)

Under: 208.5 (-108)

How to watch Trail Blazers vs. Magic

Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Florida

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why the Trail Blazers could cover the spread/win

The Magic have had so many problems on offense this season. They are 30th in scoring at 103.9 points per game, 28th in field goal percentage at 44% and 30th in three-point field goal percentage at 30.3%. Four different Magic players are averaging more than double figures, and Banchero is the team’s most consistent scorer at 25.3 points per game.

Paolo Banchero is also the leader in assists, with 4.5 per game, as Franz Wagner is out with a hair injury. This offense has been a train wreck all season. Injuries don’t help either; as good as Banchero is, there’s only so much he can do on his own. He and the rest of the offense should be able to score on this team as Portland has not been impressive on defense.

Why would magic cover the spread/win

The Trail Blazers have fallen off a cliff offensively this season. They are 26th in scoring, at 108.1 points per game, 23rd in field goal percentage, 44.9%, and 27th in three-point percentage, 33.8%. Six different Trail Blazers are averaging over double figures, with Anfernee Simmons and Shaddon Sharpe being the focal points of the offense.

Simmons leads the team in scoring with 18.2 points per game. Then, Shaedon Sharpe is just behind with 18 points per game. As for ball movement, Scott Henderson leads the team in assists with 5.4 per game. Anferni Simmons drives this offense, but balance is also a big part of why they can find ways to score against a defense as good as the Magic’s.

The Trail Blazers’ defense was better than their offense, but they didn’t have a great season. They are 24th in points allowed, at 116.5 points per game, 27th in field goal percentage allowed, at 47.8%, and 28th in three-point defense, allowing 37.7% from behind the arc. Deandre Ayton has been subpar at best, but leads the team in rebounding with 10.2 per game.

Then, in a crowded frontcourt, Robert Williams III and Donovan Klingan are the top two blockers, with Williams III leading the team with 1.6 per game. Four players are also averaging at least one steal, with Tumani Kamara leading the team with 1.4 steals per game. In this game, they get a decent matchup against an overwhelming Rockets offense.

The Magic’s defense is one of the best in the NBA and has been a key reason why they are winning as much as they are. They are second in points allowed at 104.4 points per game, 20th in field goal percentage defense, allowing 47.1%, and 23rd in three-point defense, allowing 36.7% from behind the arc.

Banchero leads the team with 7.9 rebounds per game because of Goga Bitadze who had a concussion. Also, three players are averaging at least one block, with Jonathan Isaac leading the way with 1.3 per game. Finally, five Magic players are averaging at least one steal, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope leading the team with 1.6 steals per game.

The Magic’s defense is the best unit in this game, and they should shut down the Trail Blazers’ offense, which has also struggled.

Final Trail Blazers-Magic Prediction & Pick

The Magic are injured and have a hard time entering this matchup. The Trail Blazers aren’t playing well either, but they’re healthier, and Anfernee Simmons and Shaddon Sharpe can take advantage of the injuries Orlando is dealing with. The Trail Blazers are winning and covering this game on the road against the Magic.

Final Trail Blazers-Magic Prediction & Pick: Portland Trail Blazers +9 (-110)