Orlando Magic at New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview – Apr 3, 2024
The Orlando Magic are on the road at the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday in the National Basketball Association. The Orlando Magic are 44-31 on the season, and fight in the Eastern Conference standings. Orlando is in quite the battle with Cleveland, New York and Indiana, for 3rd – 6th as the final games approach.
The New Orleans Pelicans are sixth in the West. The Pelicans are also in a battle. New Orleans, at 45-30 is currently sixth, just ahead of Sacramento, but just behind the Dallas Mavericks. The Pelicans have dropped back to back games, including a home game Monday to the Suns.
The New Orleans Pelicans are -4.5 over the Orlando Magic. The total for this game is set at 209.5.
Orlando Magic
It took all 48 minutes, but Orlando picked up a much needed win over Portland on Monday. Franz Wagner led in scoring, and the Magic saw all five starters score double digits in the game. Wendall Carter Jr was strong for the Magic, with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and he also dished out 5 assists in the game.
Paolo Banchero has been a monster for the Magic this season. In 73 games played, the former Duke star is scoring 22.3 points per game, and dishing out 5.3 assists. Banchero is also nearly grabbing 7 rebounds per game. In his last three games, he is averaging just 16 per game, but earlier in the month he went for 29 against Toronto.
Orlando will finish the season with five road games and just two more home games. After this, the Magic will head to Charlotte. They then host the Bulls, before a trip of road games in Houston, Milwaukee and Philadelphia. Their regular season finale is at home against the Bucks.
New Orleans Pelicans
It has been a fun season for the New Orleans Pelicans, but with three losses in their last four games, the last weeks have not. The Pelicans lost at home to the Thunder, Celtics and Suns, so they have been battle tested with some of the best in the league. In those three losses, New Orleans is allowing more than 115 points per game.
The offense on the season is scoring 115.2 points per game. The Pelicans are sixth in three point percentage, as they are making nearly 38% from downtown. New Orleans is led by Zion Williamson. His health has been a massive key for New Orleans. He has played in 64 games this season.
The Pelicans miss Brandon Ingram. Another former Duke star has been out since March 21st. There is a chance he will return this season, but he will not play in this game. He was scoring 20.9 points per game before his injury.
Pelicans Bounce Back at Home
The New Orleans Pelicans are going to bounce back at home here. Both teams are geared up for a big game. Both could use a win here. In the end, we like the Pelicans at home. Our final bet for the game on Wednesday is the New Orleans Pelicans -4.5 over the Orlando Magic. Enjoy the game and best of luck with all your NBA Betting!