Orlando Magic vs Indiana Pacers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 09/03/2024, 19:21  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 10/03/2024 at 10:00 in NBA Prediction

The Orlando Magic will be at home against the Indiana Pacers seeking a clean sweep against them this season. Two games separate the two teams in the Eastern Conference with the Magic in fifth having the advantage over eighth-placed Indiana. The Magic saw a five-match winning run snapped last time out and they will be eager to immediately put this behind them. Jamahl Mosley’s men came undone 98-74 away to the Knicks and suffered their 27th loss of the campaign. This kept them 1.5 games above the play-in places and will not want to cede more ground here. Orlando have defeated Indiana both times they have met this season which have all been away matches. A third win here will see them win this regular season series 3-0. The Southeast Division franchise were without Jalen Suggs in New York last time out and the guard could potentially miss this match also. Orlando are averaging 110.9 points which has them ranked 26th on offence. Their third-ranked defence however is what has given them the edge over teams.

The Pacers are the number-one ranked team on offence. However, they have found it hard to get going recently or against the Magic. Rick Carlisle’s men have lost four of their last six matches and have averaged 117.7 points over their last three fixtures. This is a drop of six points from their season average. The Pacers, who have managed just one win in their last four matches, were defeated by the Timberwolves last time out. Coming up against the number one ranked defence in the league, Indiana were undone 113-111 at home. This was their 29th defeat and saw them drop 1.5 games from the automatic playoff places. Doug McDermott and Bennedict Mathurin missed the game with calf and shoulder injuries which could also keep them out here.