Philadelphia-76ers vs Orlando Magic Picks and Predictions December 4th 2024

Philadelphia-76ers vs Orlando Magic December 4th 2024

At 7:30 ET, the 14th ranked 76ers (5-14) will host the 3rd ranked Magic (15-8) in an Eastern Conference matchup. Philadelphia (+131) is currently on a two-game win streak, while Orlando (-156) is favored by three points.

This game will be played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia and can be seen on NBCS.

Magic vs. 76ers Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers
• Where: Philadelphia at Wells Fargo Center
• Date: Wednesday, December 4th
• Betting Odds ORL -3, ORL -156 | PHI +131 O/U 208.5

The Magic Can Win If…

The Magic fell to 15-8 this season after a 121-106 road loss to the Knicks on Tuesday. Orlando, who entered the game as +5 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The total score of 227 points exceeded the pre-game line of 215.

New York took control early with an 11-0 run, turning a 14-8 deficit into a 19-14 lead. The Knicks dominated the 2nd and 3rd quarters, outscoring Orlando 70-48. The Magic rallied in the 4th, winning the quarter 31-15, but it was too late to change the outcome.

Franz Wagner led the Magic with 30 points and 6 assists in their 121-106 loss to the Knicks, shooting 45.5% from the field. Moritz Wagner added 20 points and 12 rebounds, hitting 53.8% of his shots.

Orlando struggled from three-point range, making just 9 threes at a 23.1% clip, and shot 43.7% overall. Moritz Wagner scored 10 points in the 4th quarter, while Franz had 11 in the 2nd.

Defensively, the Magic struggled in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarters, giving up 35+ points in each, but they tightened up in the 4th, allowing just 15 points. Overall, they allowed the Knicks to shoot 50% from the field.

Orlando had trouble defending the three, as New York hit 15 threes at a 42% clip. The Knicks also went 20/20 from the free-throw line. The Magic gave up 5 offensive rebounds while recording 9 steals and 4 blocks.

• In their last five road games, Orlando has averaged 108 points per game while allowing 103 . The team’s record in this stretch was 4-1 while going 4-1 vs. the spread.
• In their last five games as the betting favorite, the Magic have a strong straight up record of 5-0. In addition, their ATS record was 5-0 in these scenarios.
• Over their last three games, the Magic have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.

The 76ers Can Win If…

The 76ers improved to 5-14 this season with a 110-104 win over the Hornets on Tuesday. Philadelphia, who were -4.5 point favorites, covered the spread with the win. The game’s total of 214 points went over the pre-game line of 210.5.

Philadelphia jumped out to a 32-20 lead after the 1st quarter. Although the Hornets outscored them in the 2nd and 4th quarters, the 76ers maintained control by winning the 3rd quarter 25-25 and entering the 4th with an 80-69 lead.

Paul George connected on 6 threes at a 66.7% rate, finishing with 29 points and 8 assists in the 76ers’ win over the Hornets. He shot 62.5% from the field, and the team hit 16 threes, shooting 40% from deep.

Tyrese Maxey added 21 points, including 13 in the 4th quarter. Jared McCain contributed 17 points, hitting 3 threes at 75% efficiency.

The 76ers put together a strong defensive performance through three quarters, allowing just 69 points before giving up 35 in the 4th. Despite the late-game slip, they held the Hornets to 104 points on 44% shooting.

Philadelphia allowed 13 threes on 38% shooting from deep. They sent the Hornets to the line 28 times, where Charlotte converted 23 free throws. The 76ers also recorded 9 steals and 3 blocks.

• Through their last five home contests, the 76ers offense has averaged 101 points per game while allowing an average of 104. Philadelphia posted an overall record of 2-3 while going 2-3 ATS.
• Looking back on the team’s last five games as the underdog, the 76ers have a straight up record of 0-5. Their record vs the spread in these games was 1-4.
• In their last three games, the 76ers have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +3, the 76ers is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 208.5 and given that our model is projecting 212 points between the teams, we like the over.

NBA Picks & Predictions

76ers Host Magic, Aim for Third Straight Win Despite Key Injuries

The Philadelphia 76ers are starting to find their groove after a rocky start to the season. For the first time in six weeks, they’ve secured back-to-back victories and will look to extend their streak to three games when they host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. However, both teams face challenges with injuries and a grueling schedule, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash.

Momentum Builds for the 76ers

Philadelphia comes into the game riding the confidence of a 110-104 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. With MVP Joel Embiid sidelined due to knee soreness, the Sixers relied on their remaining stars to step up. Tyrese Maxey took charge late, scoring the team’s final 11 points, while Paul George broke out of a scoring slump to match his season high with 29 points.

“This is the kind of fight we’ve been talking about all season,” Maxey said. “We didn’t let Charlotte take this one from us, and we’re building something special.”

Magic Look to Rebound After Tough Loss

The Magic are also dealing with adversity. After winning six straight games, including two dominant defensive performances against the Brooklyn Nets, they stumbled in a 121-111 loss to the New York Knicks on Tuesday. Orlando allowed the Knicks to shoot over 50% from the field and committed 16 turnovers, which led to 32 points for their opponent.

“It’s hard to win when you give points away,” coach Jamahl Mosley said. “We have to flush this one, learn from it, and get ready for the next challenge.”

Orlando has leaned heavily on Franz Wagner during Paolo Banchero’s absence (oblique injury). Wagner delivered an impressive 30-point performance against the Knicks, making a strong case for All-Star consideration.

Injury Woes and Fatigue Loom Large

Both teams are battling fatigue and missing key players. The Sixers, still without Embiid, are returning to Philadelphia after playing in Charlotte the previous night. Coach Nick Nurse hinted that Embiid is unlikely to play Wednesday, though he hasn’t been officially ruled out.

The Magic, meanwhile, are wrapping up a five-day road trip and will also play on back-to-back nights. Without Banchero, the team has relied on depth and young talent, but their defensive lapses in New York revealed cracks in their armor.

Key Players to Watch

• Tyrese Maxey (76ers): The explosive guard has embraced a leadership role in Embiid’s absence, showcasing his ability to deliver in clutch moments.
• Paul George (76ers): After a quiet stretch, George’s resurgence in Charlotte signals that he’s finding his rhythm. His contributions on both ends of the floor will be pivotal.
• Franz Wagner (Magic): Wagner’s consistency and scoring ability have kept Orlando competitive, even against tough opponents. His ability to exploit mismatches will be crucial.

Recent Matchup: A Glimpse of What’s to Come

The teams last met on Nov. 15 in Orlando, where the Magic emerged victorious, 98-86, behind Wagner’s 31 points. This week’s games—Wednesday and Friday in Philadelphia—offer the Sixers a chance to even the score. With both teams adjusting to absences and travel fatigue, the matchups promise to test their depth and resilience.

What’s at Stake

For the Sixers, a third consecutive win would signal real progress after a tough start to the season. For the Magic, bouncing back from the Knicks loss is essential to maintain momentum in the competitive Eastern Conference. Both teams are aiming to prove their mettle, making this a must-watch battle of determination and grit.

Predicted Outcome

If Philadelphia continues to capitalize on strong performances from Maxey and George, they’ll have the edge despite Embiid’s absence. However, Orlando’s defense, when locked in, is capable of frustrating even the best offenses. The game may come down to turnovers and clutch execution in the final minutes.

Upcoming Schedule

After Wednesday’s game, these teams will meet again Friday night in Philadelphia, concluding a mini-series that could have significant implications for both squads’ early-season trajectories.