Fresh off a rare victory on Wednesday, the Washington Wizards look to earn a second victory in as many nights when the Orlando Magic visit Capital One Arena.
My Magic vs. Wizards predictions expect Orlando’s offense — led by Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero — to come alive in the nation’s capital.
Read my NBA picks to see which team and player props I'm targeting on Thursday, April 3.
Magic vs Wizards prediction
My best bet: Magic team total Over 114.5 (-120 at bet365)
My analysis
The Orlando Magic sport the worst offense in the NBA this season, and the Washington Wizards have the worst defense. Tonight’s matchup should answer the age-old question, “What happens when a moveable object meets a stoppable force?”
The Magic have scored the fewest points per game this season at a paltry 105 but have totaled at least 115 in four of their last seven. Over the last five road games, Orlando has averaged 112.6 points and scored 115 or more in two of its last three away from Kia Center.
Orlando has thrived against Washington this season, averaging 117 points across three matchups and scoring at least 115 points twice. Since the start of the 2022-23 campaign, Orlando has reached this scoring milestone in nine of 11 games against Washington. The Magic have averaged a robust 120.2 points against the Wizards, good for their second-highest scoring average against any team in that span.
Washington’s defense has allowed 120.8 points per game this season, which is the most in the NBA. Across its last five, Washington has surrendered a whopping 124.4. The Wizards’ defensive rating of 117.9 ranks 28th, but that rating has sunk to 123.7 across its last five.
Orlando's season-long offensive rating of 108.5 has improved significantly to 113.5 across the last 10.
The Magic’s improvements on offense and Washington’s significant deficiencies on defense offer the perfect recipe for a lofty point total by Orlando’s standards. I expect the Magic to cash in on this favorable matchup and score at least 115 points on the road.
Magic vs Wizards same-game parlay
Magic team total Over 114.5
Franz Wagner 20+ points
Paolo Banchero 25+ points
Franz Wagner is averaging a career-high 24.2 points per game this season, and he’s hit at least 20 points in nine straight. His scoring has dipped slightly post All-Star break to coincide with Paolo Banchero’s huge uptick in that department, but there’s no reason Wagner can’t extend his streak of 20-point games.
The Wizards have presented a favorable matchup for Wagner over the last three seasons. In that span, he’s scored 20+ in 11 straight.
Washington’s defense has offered little resistance to opposing offenses, and Banchero should lead the charge, as he’s done since returning from the All-Star break.
Banchero has averaged nearly 30 points per game since then, and he’s scored 25 or more in 14 of his last 21. Banchero dropped 30 in his last trip to Washington, so I’ll happily take this alt-scoring line.
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Magic vs Wizards odds
Magic vs Wizards live odds
Magic vs Wizards opening odds
- Spread: Orlando -13.5 (-105) | Washington +13.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Orlando -900 | Washington +575
- Over/Under: Over 217.5 (-105) | Under 217.5 (-115)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Magic vs Wizards spread and Over/Under analysis
- Orlando is 7-3 ATS across its last 10 games.
- Washington has covered the spread in just two of its last 10.
- The Magic are 32-45 to the Over this season.
- The Wizards have hit the Over in 38 of 76 games.
Magic vs Wizards trend
The Magic have won nine straight games against the Wizards. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Wizards.
How to watch Magic vs Wizards
| Location | Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. |
| Date | Thursday, 4-3-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FanDuel Sports Network-Florida, MNMT |
Magic vs Wizards latest injuries
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