Brooklyn Nets vs. Orlando Magic Predictions

Brooklyn Nets (35-33 SU, 26-40-2 ATS) vs. Orlando Magic (18-51 SU, 33-36-0 ATS)
When: Tuesday March 15 2022, 07:00 PM (ET)
Where: Amway Center, Orlando, Florida
TV: YES

Point Spread: BRO -9.5/ORL +9.5 (Opened BRO -9.5 at Everygame)
Total: 230.5 (Opened at 230.5)
Money Line: Brooklyn Nets -451/Orlando Magic 350
Power Rating: BRO -7

Probable Starting Lineups

Brooklyn Nets PG Kyrie Irving IN, SG Seth Curry Q, SF Bruce Brown, PF Kevin Durant, C Andre Drummond
Orlando Magic PG Cole Anthony, SG Jalen Suggs Q, SF Franz Wagner, PF Wendell Carter Jr., C Mo Bamba

Key Injuries

Brooklyn Nets Cam Thomas: Back (QUESTIONABLE) Kyrie Irving: Personal (PROBABLE) Seth Curry: Ankle (QUESTIONABLE) David Duke Jr.: Ankle (QUESTIONABLE) LaMarcus Aldridge: Hip (OUT) Joe Harris: Ankle (OUT) Ben Simmons: Back (OUT)

Orlando Magic Gary Harris: Knee (QUESTIONABLE) Jalen Suggs: Ankle (QUESTIONABLE) Bol Bol: Foot (OUT) Jonathan Isaac: Knee (OUT)

The Orlando Magic host the Brooklyn Nets in an Eastern-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 07:00 PM ET at the Amway Center.

Recent Form

The Brooklyn Nets come into this game with an overall record of 35-33, placing them 8th in the Eastern Conference. So far, Brooklyn is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 21-15. Over their last five games, the Nets have played well, picking up 3 wins. During this stretch, Brooklyn is averaging 120.0 points per game, 9.0 points more than their season average of 111.3. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 107.0 points per contest. The Nets have been picking up wins while holding opponents to an average of 113.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 111.7. In the Brooklyn Nets’ most recent game, Brooklyn took down New York by a score of 110-107

The Orlando Magic come into this game with an overall record of 18-51, placing them 15th in the Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, Orlando has struggled in their 32 home contests, sitting at 8-24. Over the Magic’s last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. In this stretch, Orlando’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 107.0 points per game. Combined, the Magic’s last five opponents are giving up 109.0 points per contest. In this recent cold stretch, the Magic are allowing an average of 111.0 points per game, similar to their usual rate of 111.7. Most recently, Orlando fell to Philadelphia by a score of 116-114.

Individual Player Analysis

As Brooklyn travels to take on the Orlando Magic, the Nets’ leading scorer is Kevin Durant. Through 41 games, Durant is averaging 29 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 44.0% of his games. So far, the Magic are allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 48.28% of their games, placing them 18th among NBA defenses. On the other side, Cole Anthony leads the Magic in scoring, averaging 17 points across his 63 games. Throughout the season, Anthony has outscored his season average in 41.0% of his outings. However, if he hopes to add to this total, Anthony will need to do so against a Nets defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 42.11%. This figure is good for a rank of 7th in the league.

Matchup Analysis

The Nets come into this game as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 108.5 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, Brooklyn is winning at a rate of 68%. These victories are coming by an average margin of 11.0 points. On the other side, the Magic hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 16 games as the better defensive team, picking up 4 wins (25%).

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic have met up for 3 games. In their last meeting, Orlando picked up a 100-93 win.

How the Public is Betting the Nets vs Magic

67% are betting the Nets against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 231.0

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Nets are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 road games.
• Nets are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
• Magic are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
• Magic are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

The Brooklyn Nets come into this matchup having rattled off three-straight wins and have an excellent opportunity to inch closer to the 7th seed in the East. Heading into their matchup with Orlando, Brooklyn is 3 games behind Toronto for the 7th seed. On the other side, Orlando continues to struggle in the win column but have covered the spread in 4 straight contests. With a spread set at 9.5 points in favor of the Nets, I like Brooklyn to cover. Throughout the season, Orlando has had no fear getting up their fair share of three-point shots, ranking 12th at 36.8 attempts per game. However, they are also one of the more inefficient team’s, connecting at a rate of just 33%. For the year, Brooklyn has been excellent at defending the three-point line, holding opponents to just 34% shooting (7th). With this discrepancy in shooting percentages, I expect Brooklyn to win going away.