Orlando Magic (22-16) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (19-17)
Game Info: Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 7:00 pm (Kia Center)
Betting Odds: Orlando Magic +4.5 -- Over/Under: 205.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: NBA TV
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been in decent shape as they've won five of their last eight games overall and they will be aiming for a third straight win after taking down the Pelicans in a 104-97 road win on Tuesday. Anthony Edwards led the team with 32 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, Julius Randle added 16 points with six rebounds and three assists while Naz Reid chipped in with 13 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. As a team, the Timberwolves shot just 42 percent from the field and 15 of 44 from the 3-point line as they kept pace with the Pelicans in a tightly contested first half. The Timberwolves took control with a pivotal 19-2 run in the third quarter. The Timberwolves will play against the Grizzlies, Wizards, and Warriors following this one.
Orlando Magic
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic have been in a rut as they've lost four of their last seven games overall, but they will be feeling better after taking down the Knicks in a 103-94 road win on Monday. Cole Anthony led the team with 24 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, Wendell Carter Jr added 19 points off the bench while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chipped in with 15 points. As a team, the Magic shot 50 percent from the field and 11 of 31 from the 3-point line. This win was all about defense as the Magic held the Knicks to just 23 points in the second quarter to take the narrow lead into halftime. The Magic held the Knicks to just 17 points in the third quarter to pull away and secure the much-needed road win.
Why the Orlando Magic will win
- The Timberwolves have lost each of their last seven games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Magic have won eight of their nine previous home games against the Timberwolves following a road win.
- The Magic have covered the spread in eight of their last nine games against Timberwolves teams that held a winning record.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Magic have lost 10 of their last 11 games against Northwest Division opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Timberwolves have won seven of their last eight road games following a road win.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in seven of their last eight road games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back.
- The Magic have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games as underdogs on the first leg of a back-to-back.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Magic's last six games as underdogs has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Timberwolves' last four games at Kia Center following a road win has gone OVER the total points line.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Orlando Magic Prediction
The Timberwolves are still playing without Rob Dillingham, while the Magic have ruled out Franz Wagner, Gary Harris, and Jalen Suggs but they have Paolo Banchero upgraded to questionable for this one. The Timberwolves haven't been at their best lately, but they are still relatively healthy and should have a major advantage against a Magic team missing almost all their best players. There is a chance that Banchero could make his return for the Magic, but it would be on a minute restriction if he even sees the court at all. With that being said, I think the Timberwolves represent decent value at the short line, so that's where I am leaning in this one.
Peter’s Pick Minnesota -4.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
