Two teams hoping to climb up their respective conference’s standings and play themselves out of the NBA Play-In Tournament zone and into the playoffs meet tonight as the Minnesota Timberwolves host the Orlando Magic.
While both teams have been sporadic throughout the season, their defenses have been among the best in the NBA, which is why my Magic vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks for Friday, March 14, expect a low-scoring, grind-it-out game between the two franchises.
Magic vs Timberwolves prediction
My best bet: Under 209 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
Between its suffocating defense and frustrating offense, the Orlando Magic has been one of the best Under teams in the NBA throughout Jamahl Mosley’s tenure.
This season, the team has hit it in 61.2% of games, and over the last three seasons, the team is 129-106-3, betting the Under.
That’s thanks to a defense that consistently ranks among the best in the NBA.
The Magic are allowing the fewest points per game in the league this season (105.9) and rank second in defensive rating (109.8) behind a unit that’s holding opponents to the fewest made 3-pointers (11.4) and the fourth-fewest made 2-pointers (26.7).
While the Minnesota Timberwolves has a superstar in Anthony Edwards, the team’s offense has been a little sluggish this season.
The Timberwolves are just 18th in PPG (112.9) and rank 24th in pace (97.3).
Outside of Edwards, Julius Randle is the only other player putting up more than 15 PPG, and the team has struggled from inside the arc, hitting the fourth-fewest 2-pointers per game (25.2).
To make matters worse, Orlando’s offense is so slow that it limits possessions for opponents.
The Magic are second-last in the NBA in pace (96.1), which is a big reason why they’re last in the league in PPG (104.4).
It’s an offense that averages the second-fewest field goal attempts per game (85.6), and when Orlando does shoot, it’s not always pretty. The team is last in 3-point percentage (30.8%) and 10th-last in 2-point percentage (53.4%).
Orlando is also potentially going to be without point guard Cole Anthony, who had been starting with Jalen Suggs out for the season.
That should make it even more difficult for Orlando to put up points against a Minnesota defense that’s allowing the sixth-fewest PPG in the NBA (109.0).
Magic vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
Under 209
Magic TT Under 102.5 points
Magic +10
Orlando already struggles to score, so it could get ugly against a defense as strong as Minnesota’s has been this season.
The Timberwolves are seventh in rating and allow the seventh-lowest field goal percentage in the league (45.8%), along with the third-fewest made 3-pointers per game (12.5).
The Magic played Minnesota earlier this season and only mustered up 89 points in a game that combined for just 193.
Orlando has even gone for fewer than 103 in 30 of 67 games this season (44.8%).
But even with its offensive struggles, the Magic’s defense should be able to contain Minnesota just enough to cover.
Plus, Orlando’s slow offense should limit the Timberwolves’ ability to light up the scoreboard.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Magic vs Timberwolves score prediction
Score prediction: Timberwolves 107, Magic 98
The game total for this game is set at just 209, and these are two of the best defenses in the NBA, so it’s safe to assume it won’t be an overly high-scoring game. However, Minnesota has far more offensive talent and that should make the difference in them pulling out a decisive win.
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Magic vs Timberwolves odds
Magic vs Timberwolves live odds
Magic vs Timberwolves opening odds
- Spread: Orlando +9.5 (-110) | Minnesota -9.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Orlando +320 | Minnesota -400
- Over/Under: Over 208.5 (-110) | Under 208.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Magic vs Timberwolves spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Timberwolves opened between an 8.5 and a 9.5-point home favorite, with the line shifting to between -10 and -10.5 at most books
- Neither of these teams has been a consistent ATS bet this season, with Minnesota just 31-35-1 and Orlando 30-36-1.
- The Over/Under opened as low as 208.5 and as high as 213, with most books shifting to 209 as tip approaches.
- The Timberwolves have a solid Over bet this season at 36-31, but the Magic are the second-worst Over team in the NBA at 26-41.
Magic vs Timberwolves trend
The Orlando Magic have hit the game total Under in 40 of their last 61 games (+16.90 Units / 25% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Magic vs Timberwolves
| Location | Target Center, Minneapolis, MN |
| Date | Friday, 3-14-2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN FL, FDSN NO |
Magic vs Timberwolves latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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