Orlando Magic (29-30) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (47-10)
Game Info: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 7:30 pm (Kia Center)
Betting Odds: Orlando Magic +6.5 -- Over/Under: 225 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: TNT
The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Kia Center in Orlando. The Cavaliers, boasting an impressive 47-10 record, currently lead the Eastern Conference and are on a seven-game winning streak. In their recent 129-123 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, Donovan Mitchell led the team with 33 points and six assists. The Cavaliers have been dominant offensively this season, averaging 122.9 points per game, ranking first in the league, and shooting 39.1% from beyond the arc. Defensively, they allow 111.7 points per game, placing them 10th in the NBA.
The Orlando Magic, with a 29-30 record, have shown resilience after an injury-plagued stretch, winning five of their last eight games. They are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference. In their recent 110-90 win over the Washington Wizards, Franz Wagner led the team with 23 points. Over their last eight games, the Magic have improved offensively, averaging 108.5 points per game, while maintaining a strong defense, allowing just 104.4 points per game.
Paolo Banchero Under 24.5 Points
Paolo Banchero has played 24 games for the Orlando Magic during the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 23.0 points per game. He has a field goal percentage of 41.9% and a three-point shooting percentage of 29.7%. Earlier in the season, Banchero suffered a right oblique muscle tear during a game against the Chicago Bulls, which sidelined him indefinitely. Since his return, he has resumed his role as a key scorer for the Magic.
Paolo Banchero has gotten over 24 points in just two of his last 10 games. This Orlando Magic team likes to spread the ball around and not be a one-man show. We've also seen Orlando like to slow things down and use a lot of shot clock as they are one of the more profitable under teams in the whole league. This isn't an easy matchup for Paulo either going against the Cavs who have one of the better defenses in the NBA.
Evan Mobley Over 17.5 Points
Evan Mobley has played 51 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 18.7 points per game. He has a field goal percentage of 56.9% and a three-point shooting percentage of 36.5%. Mobley's scoring efficiency has been a key factor in the Cavaliers' strong performance this season, contributing to their league-leading record of 40-9.
Mobley has scored 17 or more points in six of his last seven games. I've been cashing in on taking over on Mobley's points over the last couple of weeks and I'm not going to stop until it fails me. Just a few games ago he scored 30 points against the Detroit Pistons, he's fully capable of getting over this number of 17.
Darius Garland Under 2.5 Three Pointers
Darius Garland has played 54 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 21.3 points per game. He has made 159 three-point field goals, averaging 2.9 per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 42.5%. Garland's consistent performance from beyond the arc has been instrumental in the Cavaliers' success this season.
Garland has failed to hit more than two three-pointers in his last three games. I don't see him bouncing back and having a big night from beyond the arc in this one going against the Orlando Magic. The Orlando Magic have one of the best perimeter defenses if not the best in the whole league. Orlando is giving up just 11.1 three-pointers per game to opposing teams which is the fewest in the NBA.
Brad’s Pick See Above
AUTHOR: Brad Francis
