The Orlando Magic visit the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Wednesday night. Orlando sits at 24-24, holding the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference, while Portland is 18-29 and ranks 13th in the Western Conference. These teams met last week, with Portland winning 101-79.
Orlando has lost six of its last seven games despite getting Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner back from injuries. Portland, on the other hand, has won five of its last six games, including a 125-112 victory over Milwaukee. Both teams are looking for consistency as the season nears the All-Star break.
Magic Preview – Can They Find Offensive Rhythm?
Orlando’s struggles continue despite returning key players from injury. In their last game, a 125-119 double-overtime loss to Miami, Franz Wagner led the team with 29 points, while Banchero struggled, shooting 7-of-21 from the field. The Magic rank 27th in field goal percentage and last in three-point shooting at 30.7%.
Defensively, Orlando has been solid, allowing 115.2 points per game. Wendell Carter Jr. anchors the middle, but the team needs better perimeter defense to slow down Portland’s shooters. The Magic are also dealing with injuries, as Jalen Suggs and Gary Harris are both listed as questionable.
Orlando will need improved ball movement and more efficiency from Banchero and Wagner to avoid another low-scoring performance like last week’s 101-79 loss to Portland.
Trail Blazers Preview – Can They Keep Rolling?
Portland has been on a hot streak, winning five of its last six games. In their win over Milwaukee, Deni Avdija had a breakout game with 30 points and nine rebounds. Anfernee Simons added 25 points, and Deandre Ayton posted a 21-point, 14-rebound double-double.
The Trail Blazers’ offense has improved, but they still rank 30th in scoring at just 104.1 points per game. Their three-point shooting has been inconsistent, sitting at 30.7%, the worst mark in the league. However, Portland’s defense has stepped up, holding opponents under 100 points in two of their last five wins.
Portland is 10-13 at home this season but has played with confidence in recent weeks. If Avdija and Simons continue to step up, the Blazers could secure another win over Orlando.
Betting Prediction
Orlando is a 5.5-point favorite, with the total set at 212.5. The Magic have been inconsistent, losing six of their last seven games, while Portland has been one of the hotter teams in the West. Orlando has struggled offensively, which could make it tough to cover the spread on the road.
Portland has momentum and has already beaten Orlando once this season. With Avdija and Simons playing well, the Blazers have a good chance to cover the spread and potentially win outright.
Pick: Trail Blazers +5.5