Orlando knew they would be a playoff team when the NBA bubble opened. Further, the Magic knew that eighth place would be difficult to escape. Orlando has played like a team with nothing to gain. Or lose. On the other hand, the Pelicans were grooved by the NBA to make the bubble. Conspiracy theories abound about the Association greasing the skids. Zion Williamson and the Pelicans bring greater appeal to the NBA lines. Especially when compared to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Magic meets a Pelicans team with little margin for error on Thursday.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic
| Date and Time: | Thursday, August 13, 2020, p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | ESPN WWOS, Orlando, Florida |
| Pelicans vs. Magic TV Coverage: | To Be Determined |
| Pelicans vs. Magic SBG Odds: | Click Here |
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic SBG Odds Overview
Certainly, causal sports betting money is going to flood towards the Pelicans. New Orleans has more to play for. Likewise, the Pelicans are a much more popular brand. Orlando ranks as one of the most unappealing teams in the Association. There is nothing for gamblers to buy into with the Magic. Contrarian gamblers know all of this. As a result, some bargain hunters will shop against the overpriced Pelicans.
New Orleans Pelicans Team Overview
Disappointing New Orleans is 30-40 straight up and 35-33-2 vs. the line. Further, they have gone under just 33 times. Gamblers have been let down by the Pelicans restart results. To illustrate, New Orleans has covered just two of seven games. Seven of their last eight went under the total. Somehow the Pelicans remain within the required four games for a play-in. However, their play has been sloppy and inconsistent. More emphatically efforts have not always been full.
Key New Orleans Pelicans: SF Brandon Ingram 23.8 PTS, 6.1 REB, 4.2 AST, SF Zion Williamson 22.5 PTS, 6.3 REB, 2.1 AST, SG Jrue Holiday 19.1 PTS, 4.8 REB, 6.7 AST
Orlando Magic Team Overview
In sum, the Magic are 32-39 straight up and 34-35-2 against the spread. Orlando has posted only 31 under. NBA metrics have the Magic ranked 25th for scoring and sixth for points allowed. Late on the Magic have dropped three of their last four to the spread. Commencing with the bubble is the same problem for the Magic. Orlando is good enough to take advantage of a weak Eastern Conference. Yet they have no real business in the playoffs.
Key Magic: C Nikola Vucevic 19.7 PTS, 11.0 REB, 3.6 AST
New Orleans Pelicans and Orlando Magic Against the Spread
The Pelicans are:
- 5-6-1 vs the line in their last 12 games as chalk
- 9-6 over the total when favored
- 5-11 against the spread when favored over the Magic
- 1-7 under the total as chalk head to head with Orlando
The Magic are:
- 4-1 against the spread in their last five games as a dog
- 6-1 over the total when getting points
- 8-4-1 vs. the line in their last 13 overall games with New Orleans
- 2-10 under the total against the Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic SBG Best Bet
As has been noted the Magic show potentially good value for NBA lines. Both as a dog and against New Orleans. In the same way, the Pelicans have all the signs of an overlay.
Pelicans vs. Magic SBG Best Bet: Orlando Magic