The Orlando Magic are off to a fast start this season, but they hit the road for the first time tonight and put their unbeaten record on the line against the Memphis Grizzlies.
It’s the second night of a back-to-back set for both teams, and my Magic vs Grizzlies predictions load up on Memphis to send a message in its home opener.
Read on for my NBA picks and betting angles for this October 26 battle between two playoff contenders.
Magic vs Grizzlies prediction
My best bet
Grizzlies moneyline (-101 at Pinnacle)
My analysis
Homecourt advantage can be overrated in the NBA these days, but a Saturday night at a rocking FedExForum certainly qualifies as a major edge for the Memphis Grizzlies. They need that lift and have some defensive issues to clean up after being outscored 69-43 in the second half last night against the Houston Rockets.
I’m banking on a positive response tonight, and there’s optimism that Jaren Jackson Jr. can return from a hamstring issue to solidify the frontcourt. During 2022/23 — the last time the Grizzlies’ core group was consistently available — they posted a 35-6 mark at home, and there’s every reason to think a Ja Morant-led team can hit similar heights again.
It’s no easy task to match the Orlando Magic's physicality, but I’m wagering on Morant and Desmond Bane to win the backcourt duel against Jalen Suggs and Kentavius Caldwell-Pope. That Memphis duo combined to shoot 16-for-33 last night in Houston, and it’s reasonable to expect better efforts from Marcus Smart, Santi Aldama, and the hosts’ bench tonight.
The Magic were 18-23 on the road last season, and I’ll need to see more reliable offensive performances on their travels before I pick them in this kind of spot. It may not be pretty, but there’s still just enough of the Grit N' Grind Grizzlies vibe to get Memphis over the line in this spot.
Magic vs Grizzlies same-game parlay (SGP)
Grizzlies moneyline
Ja Morant Over 20.5 points
Paolo Banchero Over 7.5 rebounds
I’m doubling down on a Memphis bounce-back effort here by picking the Over on the Morant points prop – and, at his best, this is the type of matchup he can take over. Morant has gone past this 20.5 O/U line in both games this season while shooting 51% from the field, and he’s been to the free-throw line nine times in each contest.
His battle with Suggs is a must-see tussle, but Morant should see enough volume to hit the Over, even if his efficiency suffers. While he’s not likely to jack up a lot of 3-pointers, we should see the star point guard thriving in the mid-range and transition.
Paolo Banchero led the way in Orlando’s season-opening win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday, grabbing 11 boards to go with 33 points, and I’m wagering on Banchero to be busy on the glass again this evening.
The Magic will have to contend with monster Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey in the paint, and I expect Banchero to swoop in for timely rebounds. After all, Memphis was outrebounded 64-43 last night against Houston.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Magic vs Grizzlies odds
Magic vs Grizzlies live odds
Get the latest Magic vs Grizzlies NBA odds.
Magic vs Grizzlies opening odds
- Spread: Orlando -1.5 | Memphis +1.5
- Moneyline: Orlando -120 | Memphis +100
- Over/Under: Over 221.5 | Under 221.5
Magic vs Grizzlies spread and Over/Under analysis
- The sportsbooks have this matchup as a coin flip — perhaps tightening up the spread after the Magic went 55-34 ATS last year, including the playoffs.
- The Grizzlies have won five of the past six meetings between these teams — and the last four matchups in Memphis.
- The hosts have allowed more than 120 points in both games so far, but Jackson Jr.’s return would provide a big-time boost for their rim protection and rebounding.
- Orlando’s smothering defense will usually keep the Under in play, and the visitors finished in the bottom third of the league in points per game last season.
Magic vs Grizzlies trend
With some erratic offensive stretches, the Magic have only hit the 1H Over in 25 of their last 70 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Grizzlies.
Magic vs Grizzlies game info
| Location: | FedExForum, Memphis, TN |
| Date: | Saturday, 10-26-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBA TV |
Magic vs Grizzlies latest injuries
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