Despite an ugly road record, the Toronto Raptors have shown signs of life at Scotiabank Arena, and they’ll go for a third straight home win tonight against the slumping Orlando Magic.
With Orlando’s injury-hit season slipping off the rails, my Raptors vs. Magic predictions expect an improving Toronto team to push the visitors all the way. Check out my NBA picks for this January 21 battle.
Raptors vs Magic prediction
My Raptors pick
Scottie Barnes Over 7.5 assists (+210 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
The Toronto Raptors’ hopes of a quick return to relevance in the Eastern Conference continue to hinge on Scottie Barnes – and he put his imprint on the team’s statement wins over the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics last week, before a rough shooting night in Milwaukee on Friday.
Even in losing efforts, Barnes is putting up impressive numbers, and I’m dialed in on his assists total tonight. He’s dished 19 dimes across his last two outings, and he’s ended up with eight or more assists in three of his past five games.
With Immanuel Quickley still sidelined by a hip injury, Barnes’ share of the ball-handling duties should remain high, which bodes well in a Toronto offense that ranks 12th in the league in made field goals and attempted field goals per game.
Barnes is primed to be the setup man here for R.J. Barrett, Gradey Dick and Jakob Poeltl, and he’ll also be charged with guiding Darko Rajakovic’s bench-heavy groups alongside Jamal Shead.
Though the Orlando Magic are allowing the second-fewest points per game in the NBA this season (104.3), they’ve lost five of their last six contests while allowing more than 120 points in two of those setbacks. And, without Jalen Suggs, it’s proving more challenging to keep wing threats out of the paint.
When Barnes is in the mood, like he was in the two home victories last week, he can be the best player on the court. I expect him to bring the energy early in this one on the way to another big playmaking night, and these plus odds for Over 7.5 assists are too good to walk away from.
Raptors vs Magic same-game parlay
Scottie Barnes Over 7.5 assists
Raptors moneyline
Paolo Banchero Over 19.5 points
Toronto’s home record looks a little healthier these days at 9-13, and I’m encouraged by the relentless effort we saw last week, particularly in subduing the full-strength Celtics. That’s enough to add the Raptors moneyline to my SGP and count on Orlando’s offense to struggle once again.
Without Suggs and Franz Wagner, the Magic are relying on backups in expanded roles, and the visitors have only covered the 1H spread in 38 of their last 90 games. As strange as this feels to say, Toronto’s starting five brings more offensive juice.
I’m also taking the Over on this adjusted Paolo Banchero points prop. He’s the clear No.1 option for Orlando, and he’s averaged 25.2 PPG in his 10 outings this season.
Banchero was held to just 10 points against the Denver Nuggets at the weekend, but he’s scored at least 20 points in his four other contests since returning from a torn oblique, and there are some favorable matchups to attack within the Raptors’ shaky defense.
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Raptors vs Magic odds
Raptors vs Magic live odds
Raptors vs Magic opening odds
- Spread: Toronto +1 | Orlando -1
- Moneyline: Toronto +105 | Orlando -125
- Over/Under: Over 212.5 | Under 212.5
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada
Raptors vs Magic spread and Over/Under analysis
- Orlando enters as a very slight favorite, but Toronto has covered the spread in three of its last five games at Scotiabank Arena.
- Though the Magic have won four in a row against the Raptors, including a 106-97 win earlier this month, they’re just 9-13 on the road this year.
- The Under is 7-3 in both Orlando’s last 10 games and the past 10 meetings between these teams.
- The Raptors have hit the Over in 18 of their last 27 home games, but the Magic haven’t scored more than 106 points in any of their past 10 contests.
Raptors vs Magic trend
With an emphasis on defense, the Under is 26-18 in Orlando’s 44 games this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Magic.
How to watch Raptors vs Magic
| Location | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date | Tuesday, 1-21-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TSN |
Raptors vs Magic latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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