Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic head to The Big Easy tonight for a matchup with Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center.
Banchero has been balling out this month and I’m banking on him doing so once again in my Magic vs. Pelicans predictions.
Read below for my NBA picks for March 13.
Magic vs Pelicans prediction
My best bet: Paolo Banchero Over 25.5 points (-115 at bet365)
My analysis
Paolo Banchero missed a huge chunk of time towards the end of last year but he’s been productive when available. In 32 games, the former first overall pick is averaging 24.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 31.7% from three-point land.
March has been a great month for Banchero so far. He’s averaging 27.6 points through five appearances and has cashed the Over in points in four of his last seven. The power forward even had a pair of 41-point outings during that span.
While the Orlando Magic have yet to face the New Orleans Pelicans in 2024-25, Banchero played well against them last season, averaging 26 points across two meetings. New Orleans is a poor defensive squad and Banchero is playing confident basketball as of late.
The 22-year-old also comes in well-rested here, last playing on March 10 versus the Houston Rockets where he scored 25 points – just a tad below tonight’s total. I expect Banchero to show out in NOLA as Orlando looks to turn around their fortunes.
Magic vs Pelicans same-game parlay
Paolo Banchero Over 25.5 points
CJ McCollum Over 4.5 assists
Trey Murphy III Over 2.5 threes
McCollum is having his worst season as a playmaker since 2018-19, averaging just 3.8 assists. However, he’s been facilitating the rock a lot better since the All-Star break, averaging 4.8 dimes in nine outings.
The Pelicans guard has cashed the Over in dimes in three of his last five contests and just had seven assists against the LA Clippers on Tuesday evening. The Magic are actually one of the better teams in the league at defending the passing lanes, ranking top five in fewest assists allowed. Nonetheless, CJ is playmaking at a high level right now and it wouldn’t surprise me if that continued tonight.
Trey Murphy III is one of New Orleans’ best three-point shooters. He’s averaging 3.1 makes on 8.5 attempts per night for a 36.2% clip. While he’s draining just 2.6 triples per game since the ASG break, Murphy does average 3.2 makes at home compared to 3.0 on the road.
Orlando is 26th in the Association in three-point percentage allowed and opponents are shooting 39% from deep against them across the last three. Murphy has also hit Over 2.5 treys in three of his last six.
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Magic vs Pelicans odds
Magic vs Pelicans live odds
Magic vs Pelicans opening odds
- Spread: Orlando -2.5 (-110) | New Orleans +2.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Orlando -140 | New Orleans +120
- Over/Under: Over 217 (-110) | Under 217 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Magic vs Pelicans spread and Over/Under analysis
- Orlando has a 6-8 record as an ATS road favorite.
- The Pelicans are 12-10-1 as an ATS home underdog.
- The Over has hit in three of the last five meetings.
Magic vs Pelicans trend
The New Orleans Pelicans have hit the Game Total Over in 29 of their last 45 games (+11.40 Units / 23% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Magic vs Pelicans
| Location | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA |
| Date | Thursday, 3-13-2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FanDuel Sports Network - Florida, GCSEN |
Magic vs Pelicans latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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