The Orlando Magic (11-22) will attempt to snap their seven-game losing streak when they clash with the Washington Wizards (17-15) at Capital One Arena. The game will air on Fox SportsNet Florida at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 23, 2017.
Orlando Magic at Washington Wizards ATS Prediction
The last time the Magic played, they were topped by the New Orleans Pelicans, 111-97. New Orleans’ 26.8 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Orlando, who had a mark of 21.3. The Pelicans’ mark was above their season average of 20.3. Jonathon Simmons was Orlando’s high scorer with 22 points on 10-for-15 shooting.
The Wizards got blown out by the Brooklyn Nets in their last contest, 119-84. Brooklyn’s rebounding was their largest strength. The Nets had more offensive rebounds (13 vs. seven), defensive rebounds (47 vs. 28) and total rebounds (60 vs. 35). With 10 points, Washington’s John Wall put together a good performance.
Orlando could have a difficult time creating turnovers. Washington ranks sixth in the NBA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 13.3 percent), while Orlando forces the seventh-fewest turnovers (13.6 percent).
Orlando holds records of 11-22 straight up (SU) and 12-19-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has been spot on when predicting totals of Magic games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Meanwhile, Washington owns records of 17-15 SU and 15-16 ATS. Vegas tends to set the total high when the Wizards are involved, as 67.7 percent of their games have ended under the total.
Nikola Vucevic has averaged 22.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks over the last five games for Orlando.
After splitting four games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, the Wizards won 115-114. Washington did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (23-25; 92.0 percent). Orlando, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.7 vs. 25.0).
Orlando Magic at Washington Wizards Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Magic, ATS Winner – Magic, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Orlando is 8-9-1 ATS with 10 overs and 8 unders.
Washington is 5-10 ATS at home with 9 unders and 6 overs.
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Orlando is 5-2 and Washington is 13-1.
In games where they score more than 100 points, the Wizards are 14-7 and the Magic are 11-11.
Washington ranks third in steals allowed per game (6.8) while Orlando ranks 25th (8.3).
The Wizards rank ninth in assists allowed per game (21.7) while the Magic rank 28th (25.0).
Washington ranks fifth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.8) while Orlando ranks 21st (18.0).
The Wizards rank 17th in rebounds per game (43.1) while the Magic rank last in rebounds allowed per game (46.4).
Washington ranks 13th in second chance points per game (12.1) while Orlando ranks 25th (10.1).
The Wizards rank 15th in points allowed in the paint per game (44.1) while the Magic rank 26th (48.6).
Washington ranks 15th in fast break points per game (10.3) while Orlando ranks 23rd in fast break points allowed per game (12.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Orlando is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Washington is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Magic’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 10.8, up from 4.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wizards have scored an average of 98.4 points per game (6.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 101.8 points per game (1.8 below their season average).
