The Denver Nuggets will host the Orlando Magic as both teams play the second game of a back-to-back on Thursday night.
Orlando is healthier than it has been in a while, but I’m still taking Denver to cover at home in my Magic vs. Nuggets predictions.
Let’s take a closer look at what bettors can expect from tonight’s matchup in my free NBA picks for Thursday, February 6.
Magic vs Nuggets prediction
My best bet
Nuggets -7 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
While the Denver Nuggets may not be top of mind when it comes to title contenders this year, it would be a huge mistake to overlook them. Denver sits comfortably in fourth place in the Western Conference at 32-19, and Nikola Jokic is arguably having his best statistical season yet, averaging 29.7 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.3 assists.
Right now, the Nuggets are riding a four-game winning streak, getting contributions not only from Jokic but also from the likes of Michael Porter Jr. (18.7 ppg), who scored 36 and 39 points respectively in Denver’s two games earlier this week. With an offensive rating of 118.8 and the best player on the planet at the center of it all, this is a nearly unstoppable team when it has the ball.
That’s a stark difference from the Orlando Magic, who have done little on offense and are just 1-4 on their current road trip. Even Orlando's vaunted defense has shown some cracks, allowing 111 points or more in five of its last six games.
That has me questioning just how effective the Magic will be at slowing down Denver tonight. The Nuggets are averaging a blistering 128.3 ppg during their current winning streak, with Jokic, Porter, and Jamal Murray (20.2 ppg) all filling the box score regularly.
We’ve already seen the Nuggets beat the Magic once this year, winning 113-100 in Orlando. Denver has also been great on short rest, going 9-1 in the second half of back-to-back games this season.
I don’t see either of those trends getting challenged tonight, which is why I’m taking the Nuggets to cover.
Magic vs Nuggets same-game parlay
Nuggets -6.5
Over 219.5
Nikola Jokic Over 48.5 points + assists + rebounds
While the Magic love to play slow, virtually nobody has been able to keep Denver down to totals this low this season, and Orlando has Franz Wagner back in the lineup, which should help their offensive production.
I’m also taking Jokic to hit the Over on his combined total of 48.5 points, rebounds, and assists. Jokic is averaging a triple-double this year and has easily surpassed this total in each outing during Denver’s current four-game losing streak. Even if Orlando can limit the number of possessions in this game somewhat, Jokic remains a smart bet to hit the Over.
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Magic vs Nuggets odds
Magic vs Nuggets live odds
Magic vs Nuggets opening odds
- Spread: Orlando +9 (-110) | Denver -9 (-110)
- Moneyline: Orlando +325 | Denver -425
- Over/Under: Over 220.5 | Under 220.5
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Magic vs Nuggets spread and Over/Under analysis
- Denver is an even 25-25-1 against the spread this year, with Orlando not far behind at 24-27-1 ATS.
- The Nuggets covered in their first meeting against the Magic this season, prevailing 113-100 as a 7.5-point favorite on Jan. 19.
- Orlando is a strong Under team, going 31-21 in its games, while the Over has dominated when Denver plays, posting a 31-19-1 record.
- The Magic are averaging a total of 209.6 ppg this season, the lowest total in the NBA, while the Nuggets have an average total of 237.5 ppg, one of the league’s highest numbers.
Magic vs Nuggets trend
Orlando is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Nuggets.
How to watch Magic vs Nuggets
| Location | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date | Thursday, 2-6-2025 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ALT2, FDSN Florida |
Magic vs Nuggets latest injuries
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