Cleveland Cavaliers vs Orlando Magic Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 21/02/2024, 14:31  by Joseph King | Modified on 22/02/2024 at 10:00 in NBA Prediction

The NBA returns after the All-Star break with the first-place Cleveland Cavaliers hosting the eighth-placed Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland will be hoping the pause in play won’t have disrupted their momentum as they are currently the hottest team in the league since January 1st (18-3 record during that time). The phenomenal run of form has the Cavs all the way up to second in the East standings, although they still sit some way behind the first-place Celtics. The Cavaliers are 36-17 on the year which puts them six games behind Boston’s NBA-best 43-12 mark. The hosts were able to enter All-Star weekend off the back of a victory after a 108-105 win over the Bulls. The result means that the Cavs have now won nine of their last 10 overall.

The Magic have been a pleasant surprise this season as the rapid development of their young stars means they are decently placed to make their first playoff appearance in four years. Paolo Banchero, coming off his first All-Star appearance in just his second year, along with Franz Wagner have the Magic boasting a 30-25 record, placing them level with the seventh-place Heat and just a half game behind the sixth-placed Pacers. Orlando was also able to enter the All-Star break on a positive run of form with three wins in their last four games. The most recent ended in a 118-100 win over a depleted Knicks team, marking their seventh win in the last 10 games overall. The difficulty for this young Magic team this season has been replicating their strong home performances when they take to the road. The visitors are five games below .500 at 12-17 on their travels this campaign, compared to an excellent 18-8 mark at the Kia Center.