Washington-wizards vs Orlando Magic Picks and Predictions March 21st 2025

Magic Keeping Long-Range Faith with Visit to Wizards Ahead

The Orlando Magic are hoping to rediscover their shooting touch when they visit the Washington Wizards on Friday. The Magic (32-38) currently sit eighth in the Eastern Conference, occupying one of the coveted play-in tournament spots. However, their long-range shooting woes continue to plague them as they try to secure their position in the standings.

Orlando Magic’s Three-Point Struggles

The Magic are statistically the worst 3-point shooting team in the NBA, averaging just 31.0 percent from beyond the arc. They also rank as the league’s lowest-scoring team, managing just 104.6 points per game. This offensive inconsistency has come to the forefront recently, as they have dropped eight of their last 11 contests.

In their most recent outing, Orlando suffered a 116-108 home loss to the Houston Rockets. The Magic went just 9-for-35 from three-point territory, a dismal 25.7 percent. Despite these struggles, head coach Jamahl Mosley remains optimistic about their shooting process.

“You just focus on the process,” Mosley said. “If we weren’t getting the shots, it would be different. But we’re getting the shots. You have to stick to that and trust your work and know they are going to drop at some point.”

Key Players and Injuries

The Magic have been hit hard by injuries. Starting forward Moritz Wagner and defensive specialist Jalen Suggs are both out for the season with knee injuries. Despite this, star forward Paolo Banchero has stepped up, averaging an impressive 31.0 points per game over his last six outings. Additionally, Franz Wagner has been solid, contributing 24.2 points per game.

Houston exploited Orlando’s shooting woes by employing a zone defense for much of the game. Despite the struggles, Wagner remains hopeful about the team’s shot selection.

“I thought we got some really good looks,” Wagner said. “Some possessions stalled us out, but a lot of possessions we just missed shots.”

Wizards Focus on Young Talent and Lottery Positioning

While the Magic are fighting for a play-in spot, the Washington Wizards (15-53) have essentially shifted their focus to developing young players and securing a favorable draft position. Following a grueling seven-game road trip, the Wizards returned home after going 3-4. Though their playoff chances are gone, the development of their future stars remains a priority.

“Obviously (Sarr is) making shots, but it’s more than that,” Wizards coach Brian Keefe said. “He’s taking the right ones, within the flow of the game. He’s getting better, and that’s what this is all about for us.”

Despite being in the bottom tier of the standings, the Wizards are using these games as a means to evaluate their young core. They are giving ample opportunities to showcase their talents, building a foundation for the future.

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Head-to-Head Matchups

Orlando has had Washington’s number this season, winning both previous meetings with decisive margins. The Magic secured a 121-94 victory on November 10 and followed it up with a 110-90 triumph on February 23. The Wizards will need to find ways to contain Banchero and Wagner, who have proven to be consistent scoring threats.

Betting and Odds

Pick Page: Considering the Magic’s offensive struggles and Washington’s youth movement, betting on the under for total points could be a smart choice.
Odds Page: The Magic are likely to be slight favorites given their higher stakes in the playoff race.
Expert Betting Guide: Betting on the Magic to cover the spread seems reasonable, given their urgency to stay in the play-in mix and previous success against Washington.

NBA Awards and Recognitions

NBA MVP: Paolo Banchero has been carrying the load offensively, showcasing his potential as a future superstar.

NBA Most Improved Player: Franz Wagner continues to demonstrate growth as a consistent scorer.

NBA Rookie of the Year: Alex Sarr from the Wizards has emerged as a strong contender with his recent performances.

Final Thoughts

The Orlando Magic are desperate for a win to hold onto their play-in spot, while the Washington Wizards are more focused on developing young talent. With the Magic looking to improve their dismal three-point shooting, and the Wizards continuing to rely on the emergence of Alex Sarr, Friday’s game will be pivotal for both teams — but for vastly different reasons.