Orlando (38-28) at Toronto (23-43)
When: Friday, March 15th 2024
Where: Scotiabank Arena,
Toronto, Ontario
Time: 7:30 ET | TV: League Pass
Opening Odds: Orlando -6.5/217
Two teams going in opposite directions will face-off in a home-and-home series this weekend, as the Toronto Raptors host the Orlando Magic from Scotiabank Arena. The Magic, who have missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference standings and have won six of their last eight games. The most recent was a 114-106 home victory over the Brooklyn Nets that snapped a two-game skid. Orlando is also 6-2 ATS in those eight games and come into Friday’s contest in Toronto as an 8-point favorite with a total of 215.5.
It’s been a lost season for the Raptors, who are dealing with a bunch of injuries heading into Friday’s contest with Orlando. Toronto has dropped five straight games after a 113-104 loss at Detroit that concluded an 0-4 road trip. The last time Toronto played at home was March 5th – a 139-98 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Toronto continues to play without two key players: Scottie Barnes (hand surgery) and Jakob Poeltl (finger surgery) and didn’t have RJ Barrett (personal), Gary Trent Jr. (groin strain) and Chris Boucher (knee) in the loss to the Pistons.
Paolo Banchero was almost perfect in the win over the Nets, going 6-for-6 from the field and 8-for-9 from the free-throw line for 21 points to go with nine assists. Orlando’s two starting guards, Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs, both returned after missing some time. Suggs scored 11 of his 14 points in the first quarter to help the Magic take a 17-point advantage right out of the gate. Fultz (left knee strain) returned after missing the loss to the Pacers and had 10 points and eight rebounds off the bench against the Nets. Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 15 points and eight boards.
Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 25 points and eight assists in the loss to Detroit, while Kelly Olynyk contributed 19 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Bruce Brown recorded 17 points, five assists and four rebounds. Quickley has scored at least 20 points in half his games with Toronto after coming over from New York. RJ Barrett will remain out Friday for personal reasons, but Gary Trent Jr. might return. The Raptors led the Pistons by 16 points in the second quarter on Wednesday and were ahead 57-52 at halftime before being held to 22 points in the third quarter.
This should be an easy win for the Magic against a depleted Raptors squad. Toronto has just one win in their last eight games and have been losing to bad teams. Orlando has been very good as a favorite against losing teams, going 13-3 ATS as a favorite of six or more. Magic win this one by double-digits.
Check out who Bobby Babowski has on his Free NBA Picks page for today.
Pick: Magic -8
