The New Orleans Pelicans look to end a three-game skid when they visit the Orlando Magic tonight at the Kia Center.
My Pelicans vs Magic predictions expect a high-scoring affair between the two struggling teams despite the absence of several key players on both rosters.
Keep reading for my NBA picks for Friday, November 8.
Pelicans vs Magic prediction
My best bet
Over 213.5 (-105 at bet365)
My analysis
The New Orleans Pelicans head into this matchup dealing with a ton of injuries. C.J. McCollum, Herb Jones, Dejounte Murray, and Trey Murphy are out, and Zion Williamson just returned but is questionable with hamstring tightness.
As for the Orlando Magic, they’re without franchise cornerstone Paolo Banchero and big man Wendell Carter. Without Banchero, there are a lot of points to make up for. However, the trend in this matchup is the Over in points is typically hit.
The total was set quite low in the last two matchups, but the Over cashed. In the last 10 meetings between New Orleans and Orlando, the Over in points was hit eight times. It’s set at just 213.5 tonight, which won’t be difficult to surpass.
While the Pels sit just 22nd in the Association in points per game and the Magic 29th, you need to follow what’s happened in past matchups. Plus, the Over has hit in six of the nine games both clubs have played so far in 2024-25.
The Over is a logical bet for this one down in Orlando.
Pelicans vs Magic same-game parlay
Over 213.5
Jalen Suggs Over 5.5 assists
Franz Wagner Under 24.5 points
Jalen Suggs has taken a real jump in his fourth NBA season, averaging career-highs across the board of 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.
With his point total set a tad high here, I'm focusing on the assists. Suggs is one of Orlando’s primary facilitators alongside Banchero, but the star forward is out.
Suggs has cleared his assist total in four of the last six and dished out 12 dimes combined across the previous two games against OKC and Indiana. The Pelicans aren’t great defensively and allow the third-most assists per game in the league.
Franz Wagner is a very solid player and a key piece for the Magic alongside Banchero. He’s averaging 18.8 ppg, but his points total of 24.5 is quite high, and the German hasn’t shown the consistency to hit the Over.
Wagner has cashed the Over just twice this season, and I don’t believe he hits 25 points tonight.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Pelicans vs Magic odds
Pelicans vs Magic live odds
Pelicans vs Magic opening odds
- Spread: New Orleans +4.5 (-105) | Orlando -4.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: New Orleans +160 | Orlando -190
- Over/Under: Over 214.5 (-110) | Under 214.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Pelicans vs Magic spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Over has hit six times for both of these teams in nine games this season.
- The Pels are just 2-8 ATS in their last 10 contests.
- The Magic opened as 4.5-point favorites and the line has been bumped to -6.
Pelicans vs Magic trend
The Magic have covered the spread in 30 of their last 43 games at home (+15.70 Units / 33% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Magic.
How to watch Pelicans vs Magic
| Location: | Kia Center, Orlando, FL |
| Date: | Friday, 11-8-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | GCSEN, FanDuel Sports Network - Florida |
Pelicans vs Magic latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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