Magic vs Raptors Picks and Predictions: Orlando's Offense Has No Tricks

Orlando's getting a little healthier and can count on the occasional Bol Bol explosion but for the most part, the Magic offense is awfully mediocre. Against the Raptors' interchangeable lineup, our NBA betting picks expect an Orlando slog.

Dec 3, 2022 • 11:05 ET • 4 min read
Bol Bol Orlando Magic NBA
Photo By - USA TODAY Sports

The Orlando Magic head to the Great White North to face off against the Toronto Raptors in NBA action on Saturday night.

Both teams are coming off defeats last night and the Magic are looking to snap a seven-game losing streak. Oddsmakers expect that slide to continue with NBA betting lines hitting the board with the Raps as 10.5-point home favorites and the Over/Under at 217.5.

Here are my best free Magic vs. Raptors NBA picks and predictions for December 3.

Magic vs Raptors best odds

Magic vs Raptors picks and predictions

The Raptors are seventh in the league in defensive rating and that, combined with the slower pace they play at, has resulted in them limiting foes to 109.5 ppg — the seventh-best number in the NBA.

The Raps do a good job of contesting shots at the rim (sixth-best block rate) and they lead the league in opponent turnover rate. That's bad news for a Magic team that ranks 28th in the league in turnover rate and even if Orlando gets Jalen Suggs back today, the young guard tends to be sloppy with the ball. 

Orlando is second-last in the league in scoring, with 107.8 ppg, and has been even worse lately, averaging just 101.7 ppg in its last six games. With the Magic team total set at 104.5, a number they have gone below in five of their last six games, I'm playing the Under. 

My best bet: Magic team total Under 104.5 (-125 at PointsBet)

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Magic vs Raptors spread analysis

For most of November, the Raptors were missing All-Star forward Pascal Siakam but despite the absence of their best player and several other key pieces, they stayed highly competitive.

They got Siakam back in the lineup on Monday and cruised to a 100-88 win against the Cavaliers but have since dropped two in a row despite being the healthiest they have been all season. Last night, they lost by nine points to the Nets thanks to an ugly opening quarter that saw them fall behind 41-17.  

The Raps have a versatile lineup with multiple guys that can switch defensively and run the floor in transition. All five of their starters average at least 14 ppg and their bench is deep as well. 

The Magic have lost seven games in a row and are just 1-5 ATS in their last six. Four of those defeats came by double-digits, including last night's 107-96 loss to the Cavs.

Orlando has injury concerns of its own at the moment, with guards Jalen Suggs and Gary Harris banged up and listed as questionable for today along with backup big man Mo Bamba.

Meanwhile, starting center Wendell Carter, who averages 16.6 points and a team-leading 9.1 rebounds per game, has been sidelined by a foot injury. 

The Magic did get back guards Cole Anthony and Markelle Fultz this week after lengthy absences and they'll need more efficiency from both of them if they want to get back in the win column.

I mentioned how bad the Magic have been offensively but they've been just as awful on the other end of the floor where they rank 27th in defensive rating. 

Magic vs Raptors Over/Under analysis

Bol Bol has emerged as a contributor with Carter sidelined but the rail-thin big man has been extremely inconsistent on offense. He has been limited to 6 points or fewer in three of his last four games but also exploded for 24 points in one of those contests. 

Rookie of the Year favorite Paolo Banchero has been Orlando's best player and leads the team with 22.6 ppg while second-year wing Franz Wagner is right behind him with 19.5 ppg. Nonetheless, those promising young stars haven't been able to elevate an Orlando team that is 27th in the league in offensive rating.

Although the Raptors rank a modest 16th in the league in offensive rating that was with Siakam (team-leading 24 points and 6.8 assists per game) sidelined for nine games and All-Star point guard Fred VanVleet (17.1 ppg, 6.6 apg) missing for six. 

However, if you thought Siakam coming back to the team would immediately make their offense click, you'd be disappointed. Toronto is averaging just 104.3 ppg on 45.2% shooting in its last three games. 

Magic vs Raptors betting trend to know

The Under is 20-7 in Orlando's last 27 games versus a team with a winning straight-up record. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Raptors.

Magic vs Raptors game info

Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
Tip-off: 8:00 p.m. ET
TV: TSN, Bally Sports Florida

Magic vs Raptors key injuries

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