Are things about to turn around for the Toronto Raptors?
The team just snapped an ugly losing streak, is finally getting healthy, and has another favorable matchup against a shorthanded Orlando Magic team.
My Magic vs. Raptors predictions highlight a player prop for Immanuel Quickley, who should let it fly tonight.
Here are my NBA picks for this Eastern Conference matchup, set to tip off on Friday, January 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
Raptors vs Magic prediction
My Raptors pick
Immanuel Quickley Over 2.5 made threes (+140 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
We were oh-so-close to seeing the full starting lineup for the Toronto Raptors this season. Unfortunately, RJ Barrett has been listed as doubtful for tonight’s matchup against the Orlando Magic as he is still battling an illness.
But considering all the injuries the Raptors have dealt with this season, four out of five starters ain’t bad, particularly when you look at how they played together when they last took the court.
Toronto crushed the Brooklyn Nets 130-113 on Wednesday night as 1.5-point favorites, and they’ll have a chance to turn that into a winning streak against the Magic. That’s largely because Orlando continues to be without its top two players in Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, who are both dealing with injuries.
As a result, the Raptors are just slight 1.5-point home underdogs against the 20-15 Magic.
It was also clear in that game against the Nets that the Raptors really missed Immanuel Quickley. The 25-year-old guard signed a massive extension with Toronto in the offseason after averaging 18.6 points and 6.8 assists with the Raps following being traded by the New York Knicks.
Injuries have hampered IQ’s start this season but he showed us what he’s capable of in the win over the Nets, putting up 21 points which included going 3-of-7 from 3-point range with a whopping 15 assists and four rebounds, and I like him to keep cooking against the Magic.
Orlando has been without Banchero for most of the season, but Wagner has been out just the last 10 games, and not having either guy has been a problem. The Magic are just 4-6 during that period and rank 21st in the NBA in net rating.
The Magic’s perimeter defense has also suffered during this 10-game stretch, ranking 19th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage.
As a member of the Raptors (42 games), Quickley is draining 39.5% of his seven 3-point attempts per game. His made threes prop for tonight is sitting at 2.5 with the Over at enticing plus money. So, let’s back IQ to let it fly from deep against the Magic tonight.
Raptors vs Magic same-game parlay
Immanuel Quickley Over 2.5 made threes
Immanuel Quickley Over 17.5 points
Magic team total Under 108.5
Since I’m banking on Quickley to get hot from beyond the arc tonight, the next logical step is to take him to go Over his point total, which sits at a modest 17.5.
Quickley averages 18.4 points per game since joining the Raptors about a year ago, and like this matchup against a Magic team that is stumbling, having lost three of their last four games and six of their last nine.
Our Covers Prop Projections have IQ pegged for 19.4 points in this one, so Over 17.5 looks like a great addition here.
Let’s round this SGP out by adding the Magic to go Under their team total, which is set at 108.5. This is an elevated number. Yes, the Raptors defense has leaked like a sieve, but the Magic look lost on offense without their top two players.
Only the Charlotte Hornets have a worse offensive rating than the Magic over the last 10 games, and their 101.4 points per game are dead-last over that span.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Raptors vs Magic odds
Raptors vs Magic live odds
Raptors vs Magic opening odds
- Spread: Toronto +1.5 | Orlando -1.5
- Moneyline: Toronto +100 | Orlando -120
- Over/Under: Over 214.5 | Under 214.5
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada
Raptors vs Magic spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Raptors opened this Eastern Conference matchup as 1.5-point home underdogs and they have yet to move off that number.
- When the Raptors have been at least close to full health they have been a very good bet, and overall they are a solid 20-12-1 ATS this season. The Magic are 4-5-1 ATS in this stretch without Wagner and are 2-5-1 in their last eight overall.
- The total hit the board at 214.5 and has been bet as high as 217.5 before settling back down at 216.5 as of Friday afternoon.
- Thanks to a high-tempo offense and a bad defense, the Raptors have generally been a good Over bet this season. But the Magic play at a super slow pace and have had trouble scoring without Wagner. I'm staying away from the full-game total here.
Raptors vs Magic trend
The Magic have cashed the Under in six of their last eight games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Magic.
How to watch Raptors vs Magic
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Friday, 1-3-2025 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Raptors vs Magic latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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