Denver Nuggets vs Orlando Magic Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 05/01/2024, 08:45  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 05/01/2024 at 13:00 in NBA Prediction

The Orlando Magic will head to Ball Arena to take on the Denver Nuggets on Friday night in the NBA. The hosts are 25-11 and third in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 19-15 and sixth in the Eastern Conference. 

The Orlando Magic find themselves in a challenging stretch, having lost eight of their last 11 games, and they will be determined to break a three-game skid following a hard-fought 138-135 double-overtime defeat to the Kings on Wednesday. Paolo Banchero showcased his scoring prowess, leading the team with 43 points and five assists on 13-of-25 shooting, while Jalen Suggs contributed 24 points. The Magic's offensive output stands at 113.6 points per game, ranking 20th in the NBA, but they face the Denver Nuggets, who typically allow 3.3 points less. Despite their struggles, the Magic have maintained a strong defensive presence throughout the season, boasting the seventh-best mark in the league by allowing opponents an average of 111.8 points per game. Franz Wagner sustained an ankle sprain in the previous game and is a major doubt for the upcoming match. 

Meanwhile, The Denver Nuggets have been enjoying a solid run, securing victories in 11 of their last 13 games, and they are poised for a third consecutive win after an impressive 130-127 road triumph against the Warriors last night. Nikola Jokic played a pivotal role, leading the team with 34 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists, including the game-winning basket at the buzzer to overcome the Warriors on their home court. The Nuggets boast an offensive output of 115.6 points per game, ranking 13th in the league and surpassing the Magic's defensive average by 3.8 points. Notably, Denver has excelled on the defensive end, conceding just 109.8 points per game, leaving them as the third-best scoring defense in the league. Unfortunately, Vlatko Cancar and Reggie Jackson are likely to miss the upcoming match due to injury.