Elite offense meets stingy defense tonight at Kia Center as the Memphis Grizzlies visit the Orlando Magic.
While Memphis is an understandable favorite here with its 36-19 record, both teams are on the second night of a back-to-back set, and my Grizzlies vs. Magic predictions prefer to put the spotlight on an in-form Paolo Banchero.
Check out my NBA picks and betting angles as two of the league’s best young cores collide in this February 21 matchup.
Grizzlies vs Magic prediction
My best bet
Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 points (-115 at bet365)
My analysis
An oblique injury cost Paolo Banchero 34 games this season – and, with it, a shot at an All-Star spot. But he’s making up for lost time now, and a lot of the Orlando Magic offense will rest on his shoulders again tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Magic rebounded from a rough first quarter in last night’s win over the Atlanta Hawks, and Banchero was the biggest spark with 36 points on 11-for-25 shooting, to go with 16 trips to the foul line.
That kind of production gives Orlando a chance of climbing the Eastern Conference standings down the stretch, and I expect more of the same from Banchero tonight.
I’m taking the Over on his points prop as my best bet here. To some extent, that’s a volume play, with Paolo taking at least 20 shots in seven of his past 11 contests and attempting at least nine 3-pointers in each of his last three games.
Banchero also had a 27-point outing against the Grizzlies last season.
Memphis’ defense went AWOL last night while giving up 78 first-half points to the Indiana Pacers, including a 50-point second quarter. Orlando certainly can’t match the Pacers’ firepower, but Banchero and Franz Wagner should be able to get to their spots and hunt mismatches against the visitors’ guards.
Banchero has gone past this 23.5 O/U line in his last three contests, and it’s tough to see the hosts keeping pace with a potent Grizzlies offense here unless Paolo is in attack mode.
Grizzlies vs Magic same-game parlay
Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 points
Memphis Grizzlies -3.5
Zach Edey Over 6.5 rebounds
Despite picking Banchero to ball out, I’ll gladly lay the points with Memphis in this spot. The Grizzlies have won six of the last seven meetings between these teams, including a comfortable 124-111 win back in October, and they’re 35-20 ATS overall this season.
We should see a response from the visitors after some embarrassing defensive possessions last night in Indiana, and I’m counting on Ja Morant and Desmond Bane to figure out Orlando’s pesky perimeter defense.
Plus, the Magic are just 3-7 ATS in their past 10 contests and could be without Jalen Suggs again tonight.
Fresh off a busy All-Star weekend with the Rising Stars, Zach Edey didn’t miss a beat on the boards last night, posting 11 rebounds in just 22 minutes despite the Pacers’ scoring barrage.
Edey should be a factor on the glass again here against a physical Orlando frontcourt, and he’s averaging 9.6 rpg so far in February.
With Jaren Jackson Jr. handling the Banchero assignment, Memphis’ giant rookie should be in pole position for a big rebounding night.
I’m taking the Over on 6.5 boards.
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Grizzlies vs Magic odds
Grizzlies vs Magic live odds
Grizzlies vs Magic opening odds
- Spread: Memphis -2.5 (-110) | Orlando +2.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Memphis (-145) | Orlando (+118)
- Over/Under: Over 222.5 (-110) | Under 222.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Grizzlies vs Magic spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Grizzlies have dropped three of their past four contests, but they’re 17-11 ATS on their travels this season.
- Though Orlando is 17-10 at home this year, the teams have split the last four meetings at Kia Center.
- The Magic have been held under 100 points in four of their last 10 outings, and the Under is 7-3 in that span.
- It’s a different story with the Grizzlies, who lead the NBA with 123.1 ppg and have nailed the Over in 28 of their last 40 road games.
Grizzlies vs Magic trend
The Grizzlies have cashed in the Over in 33 of their 55 games this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Grizzlies vs. Magic.
How to watch Grizzlies vs Magic
| Location | Kia Center, Orlando, FL |
| Date | Friday, 2-21-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN |
Grizzlies vs Magic latest injuries
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