The Orlando Magic (14-19) will have their chance to bring down the NBA’s top team when they go head-to-head with the Toronto Raptors (26-10) at the Amway Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 28, 2018, and will air on Fox SportsNet Florida.
Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Magic (5.5-point favorites) lost a close one to the Phoenix Suns, 122-120, while The Raptors (2-point favorites) edged the Miami Heat, 106-104. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Orlando game finished 30.5 points over the projected point total of 211.5, while the Toronto game finished 3 points over the projected point total of 207.
The Raptors knocked down 19 of their 23 free throws (82.6 percent) and held the Heat to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.4 (below their season average of 26.5). Orlando, on the other hand, did an excellent job of converting from the charity stripe (18-22; 81.8 percent). Nikola Vucevic played a key role for Orlando with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard played well for Toronto, finishing with 30 points and eight rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Serge Ibaka led the Raptors to a 93-91 victory. He put up 14 points and 9 rebounds. The two teams combined for 184 points, which was well under the projected point total of 218.5, and Toronto was unable to cover as a 7-point favorite. Toronto had a better effective field goal percentage (0.500 vs. 0.452). Orlando, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of converting from the free throw line (15-19; 78.9 percent).
Of the Raptors’ 36 games, 21 have finished over the total. Toronto has an excellent 26-10 straight up (SU) record, but they have trouble covering the spread (16-19-1 against the spread (ATS)).
Unlike Toronto, games including the Magic have typically gone under the O/U total (60.6 percent). Additionally, Orlando owns records of 14-19 SU and 16-15-2 ATS.
The offense of Orlando will square off against the stingy defense of Toronto. The Magic rank 27th in offensive efficiency, while the Raptors are seventh in defensive efficiency. The Raptors should have the edge on that side of the ball.
Raptors at Magic Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Magic, ATS Winner – Magic, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Raptors average 17.77777777777778 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 9 in the NBA. The Magic rank 10 in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.909090909090908).
- Toronto ranks third in fast break points per game (18.0) while Orlando ranks 28th (9.9).
- The Raptors rank 14th in rebounds per game (45.3) while the Magic rank 25th (42.3).
- Orlando ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (29.0) while Toronto ranks ninth (29.9).
- Orlando ranks 12 in blocks per game (5.393939393939394) while Toronto ranks 15 in blocks allowed per game (4.972222222222222).
- The Raptors rank eighth in points in the paint per game (51.2) while the Magic rank last (40.2).
- The Magic rank 13 in assists per game (24.484848484848484) while the Raptors rank 18 in assists allowed per game (24.333333333333332).
- Orlando ranks fourth in second chance points allowed per game (11.7) while Toronto ranks 15th (13.2).
- Orlando is 6-2 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Toronto is 7-1.
- In games where they reach 100 points, the Magic are 10-7 and the Raptors are 24-8.
- Orlando is 6-11 ATS at home, while Toronto is 9-9-1 ATS on the road.
- The Raptors have 10 overs and 9 unders in 19 road games.
- Of the Magic’s 17 home games, they have 9 unders and 8 overs.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Toronto and Orlando have both had 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Raptors are 1-3-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Magic are 1-4.
- The Raptors have been outscored by an average of 2.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Toronto has defeated opponents by an average of 6.6 points.
- During their last five games, the Magic have scored an average of 95.4 points per game (7.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 109.0 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
