Phoenix Suns vs Orlando Magic Picks and Predictions November 18th 2024

Suns vs Magic November 18th 2024

At 9:00 ET, the Orlando Magic (8-6) will travel to take on the Phoenix Suns (9-5) in a non-conference matchup. The Magic are favored by 2 points and have won five straight games. Meanwhile, the Suns are on a three-game losing streak and sit fifth in the Western Conference.

This game will be played at Footprint Center in Phoenix and can be seen on AZFa. The over/under line for the game is 210.5.

Magic vs. Suns Key Information

Orlando improved to 8-6 with a 98-86 home win over the 76ers on Friday. The Magic, favored by 2.5 points, covered the spread, and the game’s total of 184 points fell well short of the 209-point line.

After the 76ers went on a 14-0 run, Orlando responded by outscoring them 81-48 the rest of the way. The Magic’s defense was key, holding Philadelphia to just 14 points in the 4th quarter while scoring 25 to close out the game.

Franz Wagner led the Magic to a win over the 76ers, finishing with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, hitting 5 threes at 45.5% efficiency. Overall, the Magic struggled from deep, shooting just 29.7% with 11 made threes, and had a field goal percentage of 43.6%.

Jalen Suggs added 19 points, with 11 coming in the 4th quarter, while Moritz Wagner contributed 14 points, shooting 71.4% from the field. Franz Wagner scored 12 points in the 3rd quarter, and added another 10 in the 1st.

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The Magic put on a defensive clinic against the 76ers, holding them to just 86 points on 40% shooting. Orlando was especially stingy in the 4th quarter, allowing only 14 points to seal the win. They also limited Philadelphia’s damage from beyond the arc, giving up 10 threes on 32% shooting.

Orlando sent the 76ers to the line 21 times, where they made 18 free throws. The Magic controlled the boards, allowing just 6 offensive rebounds while grabbing 32 defensive boards. They also added 11 steals and 6 blocks.

The Suns fell to 9-5 on the season after a 120-117 road loss to the Timberwolves on Sunday. Despite being +7.5 point underdogs, Phoenix kept it close, losing by just three points. The total points for the game were 237, surpassing the O/U line of 218.5 by 18.5 points.

Phoenix went on a 10-0 run early, turning a 22-14 deficit into a 24-22 lead. They led 31-22 after the 1st quarter and 64-54 at halftime. However, Minnesota outscored them 32-26 in the 3rd quarter and 34-27 in the 4th, erasing Phoenix’s 90-86 lead going into the final period.

Devin Booker poured in 44 points and 7 assists in the Suns’ 120-117 loss to the Timberwolves, hitting 6 threes at a 46.2% clip. Grayson Allen added 18 points, connecting on 4 threes at 57.1% shooting.

Booker scored 17 points in the 1st quarter, and added 10 more in both the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Allen contributed 9 points in both the 2nd and 4th quarters.

The Suns started strong defensively, allowing just 22 points in the 1st quarter, but they struggled in the final three quarters, giving up 32 points in both the 2nd and 3rd quarters and 34 in the 4th. Minnesota shot 52% from the field.

Phoenix also had trouble defending the three, as the Timberwolves hit 17 threes on 43% shooting. The Suns sent Minnesota to the line 26 times, where they made 19 free throws. Defensively, the Suns recorded 9 steals and 2 blocks.

As the underdogs with a spread of +2, we recommend going with the Suns on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 210.5, and our model projects the Magic and Suns to reach a combined total of 218 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Magic Look to Extend Hot Streak on the Road Against Suns

The Orlando Magic are riding high on a five-game winning streak, but they’ll face a significant challenge on Monday as they hit the road to take on the Phoenix Suns. The Magic have been nearly perfect at home, starting the season 7-0 at the Amway Center, but their road record tells a different story, sitting at just 1-6.

Orlando’s road woes extend back to last season, where they struggled away from home, especially in their playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the team appears to be finding its rhythm after a dominant homestand, capped by a 98-86 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

“I would just say an effort and a willingness,” said Moe Wagner after holding Philadelphia to just 14 fourth-quarter points. “We hope this travels.”

Franz Wagner Leading the Way in Banchero’s Absence

With star forward Paolo Banchero sidelined due to an oblique injury, Franz Wagner has stepped up in a big way for the Magic. In the win over the 76ers, Franz delivered a standout performance with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.

“He’s super locked in,” Moe Wagner said about his brother, Franz. “Whatever he’s doing is going great.”

The Magic’s defensive prowess has been a key factor in their recent success, holding five straight opponents under 100 points. They’ll need to maintain that intensity against the high-scoring Suns.

Suns Return Home After Heartbreaking Loss

The Phoenix Suns are coming off a tough 120-117 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, where Julius Randle hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to seal the win. Now, the Suns return to Phoenix hoping to bounce back against a surging Magic team.

Despite the loss, Devin Booker was nothing short of sensational, dropping 44 points to keep the Suns competitive. With stars Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant still sidelined due to calf strains, Booker has taken on a heavier offensive load.

“He was phenomenal. A lot of credit to Book today,” said Suns coach Mike Budenholzer.

Suns Relying on Depth Amid Injuries

The absence of Beal and Durant has forced the Suns to lean on their depth. Veteran center Mason Plumlee has stepped up, contributing energy and versatility with six points, eight rebounds, and four assists in Sunday’s game.

“He’s super high energy,” Booker said of Plumlee. “He’s running like the point center position, just making sure everybody’s in their places.”

Phoenix also saw a spark from rookie forward Oso Ighodaro, who scored a career-high 11 points off the bench.

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Key Players to Watch

• Magic: Franz Wagner continues to be the focal point for Orlando, especially with Banchero out. The Magic will also look for contributions from Moe Wagner and Goga Bitadze on the defensive end.
• Suns: Devin Booker will once again be the go-to scorer for Phoenix, while Grayson Allen and Mason Plumlee are expected to provide support. The Suns are also getting promising minutes from rookie Oso Ighodaro.

Game Notes:

• Magic: Looking to improve their 1-6 road record. Defense has been their calling card, holding opponents under 100 points in their last five games.
• Suns: Have won their last five meetings against the Magic at home. Phoenix will be without Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant, but Devin Booker remains a scoring threat.

The Magic will look to carry their home momentum into a tough road environment, while the Suns aim to snap back after a heartbreaking loss. This clash in Phoenix promises to be an exciting matchup of young talent and veteran leadership.