Orlando Magic vs Philadelphia 76ers Picks and Predictions November 15th 2024

Magic vs 76ers November 15th 2024

At 7:00 ET, the Magic will host the 76ers in an Eastern Conference matchup. Orlando (-127) is currently favored by 1.5 points over Philadelphia (+106). The over/under line is set at 212 points.

The Magic (7-6) have won four straight and are currently 3rd in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers (2-9) have lost two in a row and are 14th in the East.

76ers vs. Magic Key Information

Philadelphia’s struggles continued on Wednesday, as they fell to 2-9 on the season with a 114-106 loss to the Cavaliers. The 76ers were +10.5 point underdogs at home but managed to cover the spread. The total score of 220 points narrowly exceeded the O/U line of 218.5.

After taking control in the 2nd quarter, holding Cleveland to 17 points, the 76ers couldn’t maintain momentum. A 10-0 run by the Cavaliers in the 3rd quarter put Philadelphia in a tough spot, and despite entering the 4th quarter down just 82-78, they couldn’t close the gap as Cleveland outscored them 32-28 in the final period.

Jared McCain led the 76ers with 34 points and 10 assists in their loss to the Cavaliers, hitting 6 threes at a 46.2% rate. Kelly Oubre added 20 points, shooting 57.1% from the field, while Caleb Martin contributed 18 points, connecting on 61.5% of his shots.

Philadelphia made 14 threes as a team, but shot just 32.6% from beyond the arc. Overall, they shot 44.6% from the field, finishing with 106 points in the game.

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The 76ers had a strong defensive showing in the 2nd quarter, holding the Cavaliers to 17 points, but they struggled in the 3rd and 4th, giving up 34 and 32 points, respectively, in a 114-106 loss. Philadelphia allowed Cleveland to shoot 49% from the field.

Philadelphia also struggled to defend the three-point line, as Cleveland hit 16 threes at a 40% clip. The 76ers sent the Cavaliers to the line 17 times, where they made 14 free throws. Defensively, the 76ers recorded 8 steals and 2 blocks.

With a 94-90 win over the Pacers on Wednesday, the Magic improved to 7-6 on the season. Orlando, favored by a point, covered the spread. The total score of 184 points fell well short of the 224-point O/U line.

Orlando’s defense was key, as they held the Pacers to just 18 points in both the 2nd and 4th quarters. A 10-0 run helped them take the lead, and they closed out the game strong by outscoring Indiana 26-18 in the final period.

In their win over the Pacers, the Magic managed just 94 points, shooting 40% from the field. Franz Wagner led the way with 29 points and 6 assists, hitting 3 threes at 37.5%.

Orlando connected on 13 threes as a team, shooting 34.2% from deep. Goga Bitadze added 12 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 85.7% from the floor.

Orlando’s defense was the key in their 94-90 win over the Pacers, as they held Indiana to just 90 points. The Magic had strong performances in the 2nd and 4th quarters, allowing only 18 points in each. Overall, they limited the Pacers to 38% shooting from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Magic gave up 10 threes on 33% shooting. Indiana also went 16/18 from the free-throw line. Defensively, Orlando collected 37 rebounds, allowed 7 offensive boards, and added 8 steals and 10 blocks.

As the underdogs with a spread of +1.5, we recommend going with the 76ers 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 total, the line is currently sitting at 212 and our model has the 76ers and Magic finishing with a combined 227 points. Our pick is to take the over.

In NBA Cup Action, Magic Aim to Stay Hot Against Slumping 76ers

The Orlando Magic are riding a four-game winning streak as they prepare to host the Philadelphia 76ers in an NBA Cup East Group A showdown on Friday night. The Magic are looking to extend their momentum, while the slumping 76ers are desperate to reverse their fortunes.

Magic Finding Their Groove

Orlando (6-5) has been red-hot during their current homestand, winning four straight games despite missing All-Star forward Paolo Banchero, who is sidelined with a torn right oblique. After starting the season slowly with five consecutive losses, the Magic have found their defensive identity, holding opponents to 94 points or fewer in each of their last four wins.

In their NBA Cup opener on Tuesday, the Magic crushed the Charlotte Hornets 114-89, forcing 22 turnovers and holding them to just 34-of-84 shooting from the field. They followed that up with a gritty 94-90 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, where they forced 16 turnovers and limited Indiana to 32-of-84 shooting.

“So proud of this group,” said Magic coach Jamahl Mosley. “We talk about how much grit this team has. You see how connected they are.”

Franz Wagner has been the key offensive catalyst during Orlando’s win streak. He’s averaged 27.8 points per game over the last four outings, including a 29-point effort against Indiana.

Center Goga Bitadze has also stepped up in Banchero’s absence. His 12-point, 12-rebound double-double on Wednesday was his third since Nov. 6.

“He gave us that spark,” Mosley said of Bitadze. “He plays with that little bit of edge, and we’re OK with that.”

76ers in Freefall Amid Injury Woes

The Philadelphia 76ers (4-8) are heading in the opposite direction. They’ve lost seven of their last eight games, struggling to find consistency as they deal with key injuries. Philadelphia dropped its NBA Cup opener to the New York Knicks 111-99 on Tuesday and then fell to the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106 on Wednesday.

The return of MVP Joel Embiid on Tuesday was a welcome sight, but he struggled in his season debut, scoring just 13 points on 2-of-11 shooting. Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George were all absent for Wednesday’s game, with Maxey nursing a hamstring strain that will likely keep him out through the end of the week.

The bright spot for the 76ers has been rookie guard Jared McCain, who exploded for career highs of 34 points and 10 assists against Cleveland.

“It’s a tribute to my work. I feel like I need these games,” McCain said. “I’m starting to learn more being a lead guard.”

Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse was impressed by McCain’s breakout performance and suggested that the rookie guard might see an expanded role moving forward.

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“He’s certainly played his way into the mix for sure,” Nurse said. “He’s got to be a candidate playing this well to get into the lineup.”

Fellow rookie Adem Bona also showed promise with a strong nine-rebound effort off the bench in Wednesday’s loss.

Key Matchup: Goga Bitadze vs. Joel Embiid

With Orlando’s defensive anchor Banchero out, Goga Bitadze will be tasked with slowing down Joel Embiid, who is looking to regain his MVP form after a slow start. Bitadze’s physicality and defensive presence have been crucial for the Magic, but containing Embiid will be a tall order.

What to Watch For

• For Orlando: Can Franz Wagner continue his scoring tear, and will the Magic’s stifling defense hold up against a Philadelphia team trying to find its rhythm?
• For Philadelphia: The 76ers will need another big night from Jared McCain if Embiid and Maxey are limited or unavailable. Philadelphia’s young players must step up to snap their losing streak.

What’s at Stake

Both teams are aiming to build momentum in NBA Cup East Group A. A win for Orlando would keep their hot streak alive and potentially put them in prime position for group-stage advancement. Philadelphia, meanwhile, is looking to stop the bleeding and get their season back on track.

Tip-off is set for Friday night at the Amway Center in Orlando, where the Magic will look to keep their winning streak intact and the 76ers hope to end their slump.