Magic vs Pacers October 28th 2024
At 7:00 ET, the Orlando Magic (-261) will host the Indiana Pacers (+216) in an Eastern Conference matchup. The over/under line for this game is set at 224.5.
Indiana comes into this game with a record of 1-2, while Orlando is 2-1. Tip-off will be at the Kia Center in Orlando.
Pacers vs. Magic Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Indiana Pacers at Orlando Magic
- Where: Orlando at Kia Center
- Date: Monday, October 28th
- Betting Odds ORL -6.5, IND +216 | ORL -261 O/U 224.5
The Pacers Can Win If…
After a 118-114 loss to the 76ers on Sunday, the Pacers are now 1-2 this season. Indiana, who were -8.5 point favorites at home, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 232, going over the line of 228.5.
Indiana took control in the 2nd quarter, outscoring Philadelphia 35-24, but the 76ers responded by winning the 3rd quarter 27-20. Heading into the 4th quarter down 79-78, the Pacers couldn’t complete the comeback, as they edged the 76ers 27-26 in the final period.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 22 points and 4 made threes in their 118-114 loss to the 76ers. He shot 44.4% from the field, while the team connected on 46.4% of their shots overall. From beyond the arc, Indiana hit 13 threes at a 40.6% rate.
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Pascal Siakam contributed 17 points, shooting 63.6% and adding 5 points in the 4th quarter. Obi Toppin chipped in 15 points, with 4 coming in the final period. Myles Turner also added 3 points in overtime, finishing with 14 for the game.
Despite a solid defensive effort, the Pacers couldn’t hold off the 76ers, giving up 118 points in a loss. Indiana allowed 28 points in the 1st quarter but tightened up in the 2nd, giving up just 24. They allowed 27 points in the 3rd and 26 in the 4th.
The Pacers held the 76ers to 42% shooting, including just 26% from three-point range, with Philadelphia making 11 threes. Indiana also recorded 8 steals and 4 blocks.
- In their last ten games away from home, the Pacers have a straight up record of 3-7 while going 5-5 vs. the spread. The team averaged 112 points per game in this stretch.
- Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the underdog, the Pacers have a straight up record of 2-8. Their record vs the spread in these games was 6-4.
- Over their last five games, the Pacers have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.
The Magic Can Win If…
Orlando’s season record dropped to 2-1 after a 124-111 road loss to the Grizzlies on Saturday. The Magic, who entered the game as +1 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The total score of 235 points exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 221.5 by 13.5 points.
Memphis took control early, going on a 15-0 run to stretch the score from 59-43 to 74-43. Orlando responded by outscoring the Grizzlies 35-21 in the 3rd quarter, but Memphis edged them 34-33 in the 4th to seal the win.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 22 points and 4 made threes, shooting 44.4% from the field in their 118-114 loss to the 76ers. Pascal Siakam added 17 points, hitting 63.6% of his shots, including 2 threes at 50% efficiency.
As a team, the Pacers connected on 13 threes, shooting 40.6% from beyond the arc, though their overall field goal percentage was 46.4%. Obi Toppin contributed 15 points, while Myles Turner scored 14, with 7 of his points coming in the 2nd quarter.
Orlando’s defense struggled on Saturday, giving up 124 points to the Grizzlies, including 34 points in both the 1st and 4th quarters. The Magic’s best defensive effort came in the 3rd quarter, where they allowed just 21 points.
Memphis shot 53% from the field, including 38% from three-point range, where they made 13 threes. The Grizzlies also went 19/24 from the free-throw line. Defensively, the Magic recorded 10 steals and 6 blocks.
- Across their five previous home games, Orlando has an ATS mark of 2-3. Their straight up record in these matchups was 1-4 while averaging 102 points per game.
- Through their last three games as the favorite, the Magic have an ATS record of 3-0 and a straight up mark of 3-0.
- In their last five games, the Magic have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 5-0 vs. the spread.
The Lean
Coming in as the underdogs at +6.5, we have the Pacers as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 224.5 and our model has the Pacers and Magic finishing with a combined 258 points. Our pick is to take the over.
Pacers and Magic Seek Redemption After Setbacks
The Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic, both hopeful for deep playoff runs this season, are set to meet on Monday night. Both teams aim to get back on track after recent losses exposed areas that need improvement.
Pacers’ Challenges: Turnovers and Rebounding Woes
The Pacers come into Monday’s game after a disappointing 118-114 overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch 3-pointer to send the game into overtime, Indiana’s lackluster free-throw shooting (23-of-34), careless turnovers (20), and inability to secure rebounds (allowing 20 offensive boards) ultimately cost them the game.
The Pacers have turned the ball over a staggering 51 times through just three games, a stark contrast to last season’s 12.3 turnovers per game average. This issue has been top of mind for head coach Rick Carlisle, who emphasized the need for more discipline and control, particularly in the rebounding department. “Twenty offensive rebounds (allowed), that just can’t happen,” Carlisle said. “We’re struggling at both ends.”
While Haliburton led the league in assists last season, he’s been unusually quiet in that area this year, recording just two assists against the 76ers and 11 total through three games. As the Pacers’ primary playmaker, Haliburton’s performance could be key in helping the team regain its offensive rhythm.
Magic’s Need for Better Ball Control and Defensive Pressure
The Magic, meanwhile, also seek redemption following a 124-111 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. After starting the season with impressive wins over the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets, the Magic struggled with turnovers and a slow start, falling behind by 26 points in the first half against Memphis. Franz Wagner’s 23 points and Jalen Suggs’ 21 couldn’t overcome the deficit, as the team’s 19 turnovers gifted Memphis 30 points.
Head coach Jamahl Mosley didn’t mince words about the need for improvement, stressing the importance of better ball control and creating opportunities off turnovers. “Don’t turnover it over 19 times for 30 points,” Mosley said, adding that the team needed to be prepared and focused heading into their game against Indiana.
Orlando is well-positioned to regain its defensive identity. They ranked third in forced turnovers last season, and with Wagner, Suggs, and Paolo Banchero all strong defenders, the Magic could find success by putting pressure on Indiana’s guards and converting forced turnovers into points.
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Key Matchups and Players to Watch
- Tyrese Haliburton vs. Orlando’s Defense: Haliburton’s offensive production has been underwhelming so far. His playmaking abilities could be tested by the Magic’s defense, which will look to pressure him into turnovers and disrupt Indiana’s offensive flow.
- Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero vs. Indiana’s Frontcourt: Wagner and Banchero have been strong contributors for Orlando, but the pair needs to establish themselves early on the offensive end. Their scoring abilities, especially on fast breaks, could make them pivotal in keeping Orlando’s offense moving.
- Rebounding Battle: Rebounding has been a glaring issue for Indiana, and Orlando will look to exploit this by dominating the boards. If the Magic can keep the Pacers from second-chance points and control their own possessions, they’ll have a better shot at taking the game.
Game Outlook
With both teams fresh off frustrating losses, Monday’s game is likely to be a high-energy affair with each side eager to prove they can contend with Eastern Conference rivals. The Pacers’ success will depend on Haliburton’s playmaking and their ability to control turnovers, while the Magic must improve their ball security and capitalize on Indiana’s rebounding issues.