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The Orlando Magic (19-15; 23-11-0 ATS) are still on their West Coast tour, this time visiting Ball Arena. That venue is home to none other than the defending champion Denver Nuggets (24-11; 16-19-0 ATS) who are playing for a second straight night. Friday's battle is scheduled to start at 9:00 p.m. EDT. Orlando took home the first meeting between these teams this season, 124-119. Is more magic in store for this weekend, or are the Nuggets going to even the odds in the final matchup of the year?
(Published before Denver's game on Thursday)
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Orlando's season opened incredibly, but three straight losses to begin this four-game road trip have them in the Eastern Conference's playoff pack right now. The latest came in double overtime against the Sacramento Kings. Paolo Banchero had a career-high 43 points in that one despite injuring his ankle during the third quarter. With Franz Wagner, Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris, Joe Ingles, and Jonathan Isaac all out for this game, the Magic are fortunate that Banchero can still go. Especially since he leads a team that's 22nd in offensive rating in assists per game and points per game. Orlando is 28th in three-point percentage and the worst midrange shooting team in the NBA. That's why taking 42.4% of their shots at the rim, the highest distribution in the league, is crucial. Attacking the rim often also leads to the second-most free throw attempts per game. NBA.com also has Orlando ninth in offensive rebounding percentage. Th ere are plenty of growing pains with this team scoring-wise, but also a lot to like on any night.
More than the offense, Orlando's defense has a lot to love, even with all of the injuries. The Magic are fifth in defensive rating this season. They're fourth in defensive rebounding percentage and force the third-most turnovers per game. The Magic allow the seventh-fewest points per game this season. They're solid at forcing misses from all three levels of the floor. A defensive free throw rate that's 27th gives opponents extra opportunities to score at the charity stripe. However, Orlando is still one of the toughest teams to score on in the league.