NBA 2024-2025: New Orleans Pelicans vs Orlando Magic Prediction
New Orleans Pelicans
Home Team
32.8%
109.8 pts
VS
Orlando Magic
Away Team
67.2%
109.9 pts
Key Prediction Insights
The Orlando Magic are predicted to triumph over the New Orleans Pelicans with a 67.2% probability, in a closely contested game with a projected scoreline of 109.9 to 109.8 in favor of the Magic. The Pelicans are expected to start Bruce Brown, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, Karlo Matković, and Zion Williamson. Meanwhile, the Magic will likely field Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr.
Game Analysis
In their last three matchups, the New Orleans Pelicans have experienced mixed results. They secured a win against the Los Angeles Clippers, scoring 127 points, but suffered losses to the Memphis Grizzlies and the Houston Rockets, the latter in a high-scoring 117-146 blowout. This inconsistency highlights fluctuating performances, particularly on the defensive end.
Conversely, the Orlando Magic have shown resilience, notably in a close win against the Milwaukee Bucks with a score of 111-109. Though they faced defeats against the Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls, their performances were competitive, especially in the narrow 123-125 loss to the Bulls.
The Pelicans' starting five shows a blend of offensive power and defensive vulnerabilities. Zion Williamson leads with an average of 24.37 points per game and an offensive rating of 116.8, but defensive lapses are visible across the lineup. The Magic, on the other hand, feature Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, both averaging over 24 points per game. Their slightly better defensive ratings may play a crucial role in containing the Pelicans' scoring threats.
Final Prediction
The Magic are favored due to their slightly better balance between offense and defense, as reflected in the predicted score and probability. A key factor to watch will be the performance of Franz Wagner, whose offensive prowess could tip the scales in Orlando's favor. His ability to navigate the Pelicans' defense could be a decisive element in this matchup.