Orlando Magic vs Phoenix-suns Picks and Predictions December 8th 2024

Orlando Magic vs Phoenix-Suns December 8th 2024

At 6:30 ET, the Orlando Magic (-116) will host the Phoenix Suns (-103) in a non-conference matchup. The Magic are currently favored by 1 point, and the over/under line is set at 211.

Orlando is 16-9 and sits 3rd in the Eastern Conference, while Phoenix is 12-10 and 8th in the West. The Suns have lost two straight games.

Suns vs. Magic Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Phoenix Suns at Orlando Magic
• Where: Orlando at Kia Center
• Date: Sunday, December 8th
• Betting Odds ORL -1, PHO -103 | ORL -116 O/U 211

The Suns Can Win If…

The Suns fell to 12-10 on the season after a 121-111 road loss to the Heat on Saturday. Phoenix, who were +5.5 point underdogs, couldn’t cover the spread, and the total score of 232 points exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 223.5.

Miami’s 12-0 run, which stretched the score from 60-57 to 69-60, was a turning point. The Suns led 58-53 at one point but were outscored 34-24 in the 3rd quarter and 34-29 in the 4th.

In Saturday’s loss to the Heat, the Suns shot 43.9% from the field, with a 39% mark from three-point range, hitting 16 threes. Royce O’Neale led the way, connecting on 5 threes at 62.5% efficiency, finishing with 23 points and 8 rebounds.

Devin Booker added 21 points, despite shooting just 37.5%, while Grayson Allen contributed 16 points, hitting 5 threes at 55.6%. O’Neale scored 10 points in the 3rd quarter, while Booker and Allen each added 8 points in the 4th.

The Suns gave up 121 points to the Heat on Saturday, including 34 points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters. Overall, Phoenix allowed Miami to shoot 52% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Heat hit 13 threes at a 40% clip. The Suns also sent Miami to the line 23 times, where they made 18 free throws. Defensively, Phoenix recorded 8 steals and 3 blocks.

• Although Phoenix has a straight up record of 4-6 in their last ten road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 4-6. The team averaged 113 points per game in these games.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Suns have a straight up record of 0-3 and an ATS mark of 0-3.
• Over their last three games, the Suns have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.

The Magic Can Win If…

The Magic fell to 16-9 on the season after a 102-94 road loss to the 76ers on Friday. Orlando, favored by 3 points, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total score of 196 points was well below the O/U line of 209.

Orlando started strong, leading 27-25 after the 1st quarter, but a 12-0 run by the 76ers shifted momentum. The Magic struggled offensively in the 2nd quarter, scoring just 14 points, and trailed 71-59 going into the 4th. Despite a 35-point effort in the final quarter, it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

In their 94-point effort against the 76ers, the Magic struggled from the field, shooting just 42.3% overall and 28.3% from beyond the arc. Despite the shooting woes, they connected on 13 threes in the game.

Franz Wagner led the way with 30 points, including 15 in the opening quarter. Jalen Suggs added 22 points, with 15 coming in the 4th quarter.

Despite a strong defensive effort, the Magic couldn’t capitalize, allowing 102 points in their loss to the 76ers. Orlando gave up 25 points in both the 1st and 2nd quarters, and they held Philadelphia to just 21 points in the 3rd. However, a 31-point 4th quarter from the 76ers sealed the Magic’s fate.

Orlando did a great job defending the three, holding the 76ers to just 7 made threes on 26% shooting. The Magic also recorded 8 steals and 6 blocks, but they sent Philadelphia to the line 29 times, where the 76ers converted 19 free throws.

• Through their last five home contests, the Magic offense has averaged 105 points per game while allowing an average of 103. Orlando posted an overall record of 3-2 while going 2-3 ATS.
• Over the team’s last three games as the favorite, the Magic struggled vs the spread going just 1-2. However, they still had a straight up mark of 2-1.
• In their last five games, the Magic have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 5-0 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +1, the Suns 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.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 211 and our model has the Suns and Magic finishing with a combined 185 points. Our pick is to take the under.

Magic Aim to Overcome Loss of Key Stars

The Orlando Magic (13-8) return home to host the Phoenix Suns (11-11) after losing forward Franz Wagner to a torn oblique in Friday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Wagner’s injury comes on the heels of Paolo Banchero’s extended absence due to a similar oblique issue.

Wagner, enjoying a breakout season with 24.4 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, has been instrumental in Orlando’s recent success. His nine straight games with 20 or more points marked a career high, helping the Magic win seven of their last nine contests despite missing Banchero.

“This is a great challenge for us,” Wagner said before the extent of his injury was known. “We’re a young team trying to find our way in this league.”

Key Players for Orlando

• Jalen Suggs: With Wagner and Banchero out, Suggs will take on an increased offensive load. His playmaking and scoring will be critical.
• Moritz Wagner: Franz’s brother, Moritz, will need to step up offensively and on the boards to fill the void left by his sibling.
• Orlando’s Defense: The Magic boast the NBA’s top-ranked defense, allowing just 103 points per game. This unit will be pivotal in containing Phoenix’s scorers.

Orlando has thrived at home this season, boasting a perfect 9-0 record at the Amway Center.

Suns Struggling Without Kevin Durant

The Suns come into Sunday’s matchup on a two-game skid and with a 1-8 record in games without Kevin Durant, who remains sidelined with an ankle sprain. Durant has been averaging 25.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 13 games this season.

Key Players for Phoenix

• Devin Booker: Booker, the only member of the Suns’ “Big Three” to play in every game this season, is averaging 24.9 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds. His ability to lead the offense will be crucial.
• Bradley Beal: Back from an earlier injury, Beal is averaging 17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 14 games. He will need to provide consistent scoring.
• Deandre Ayton: Ayton’s presence in the paint will be key to challenging Orlando’s defensive schemes and providing second-chance opportunities.

Phoenix is on the third game of a four-game road trip and will look to rebound against a short-handed Magic squad.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Jalen Suggs vs. Devin Booker: Suggs will need to step up defensively to contain Booker’s scoring while also taking on additional offensive responsibilities.
• Moritz Wagner vs. Deandre Ayton: The battle in the paint will be crucial, with Wagner tasked with challenging Ayton’s physicality and rebounding.
• Suns’ Offense vs. Magic’s Defense: Phoenix’s potent offense, even without Durant, will test Orlando’s league-best defense.

Who will dominate the court? Find out in NBA Scoring Leader Odds & Predictions!

What’s at Stake?

For the Magic, maintaining their perfect home record would reinforce their resilience despite missing two key players. A win could further solidify their standing in the Eastern Conference as a team capable of overcoming adversity.

For the Suns, snapping their losing streak and proving they can win without Durant is critical as they aim to climb the Western Conference standings.

This matchup pits two teams against each other under difficult circumstances, with Orlando relying on its defensive identity and Phoenix looking to its remaining stars for a much-needed road victory. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle as both teams look to adapt and succeed in the face of adversity.