The Toronto Raptors (57-22) and Orlando Magic (24-55) open their Eastern Conference schedules at Air Canada Centre. The game will air on NBATV at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 8, 2018.
Orlando Magic at Toronto Raptors ATS Prediction
In the Magic’s last matchup, they were blown out by the Charlotte Hornets, 137-100. Charlotte was effective at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Hornets made 24 of their 26 free throws (92.3 percent), while the Magic were just 7-13 (53.8 percent). D.J. Augustin was Orlando’s leading scorer with 19 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
The Raptors easily got past the Indiana Pacers in their last game, 92-73. Toronto’s 0.482 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Indiana, who had a mark of 0.339. The Raptors’ mark was below their season average of 0.539, while the Pacers’ was below their season average of 0.527. Serge Ibaka was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 10-for-13 shooting.
The high-octane offense of Toronto (third in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 111.6) will clash against the bottom-tier defense of Orlando (21st in the NBA with a defensive efficiency of 108.7). The Raptors should have the advantage on that end of the court.
Orlando heads into the contest with records of 24-55 straight up (SU) and 35-42-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Magic’s 79 games, 46 have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Toronto owns records of 57-22 SU and 42-37 ATS. Contrary to Orlando, Raptors games have gone over the projected point total 50.6 percent of the time.
Ibaka has averaged 14.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks over the last five games for Toronto.
The Raptors have won both contests against the Magic this season, including a 93-86 victory the last time these teams met. Toronto was unable to cover as an 8.5-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 179 points, which was 32 points below the projected point total of 211 points. Toronto’s 0.117 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Orlando, who had a rate of 0.033. Kyle Lowry scored a game-high 25 points.
Orlando Magic at Toronto Raptors Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Raptors, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Orlando is 20-18-1 ATS on the road with 22 unders and 17 overs.
Toronto is 21-19 ATS at home with 21 unders and 19 overs.
Orlando is 11-9 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Toronto is 27-5.
When reaching 100 points, the Raptors are 51-14 and the Magic are 23-30.
Toronto ranks sixth in points in the paint per game (48.7) while Orlando ranks 29th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.5).
The Raptors rank eighth in rebounds allowed per game (42.4) while the Magic rank 25th (45.7).
Toronto ranks sixth in assists per game (24.3) while Orlando ranks 23rd in assists allowed per game (24.4).
The Raptors average 6.1 blocks per game, which ranks second in the league. The Magic rank 18th in blocks allowed per game (5.0).
Toronto ranks 10th in second chance points per game (13.1) while Orlando ranks 26th (10.8).
The Raptors rank ninth in fast break points per game (13.5) while the Magic rank 21st in fast break points allowed per game (12.8).
Toronto ranks third in three pointers attempted per game (32.9) while Orlando ranks 14th (29.4).
The Raptors average 17.5 points off turnovers per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Magic rank 17th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.1).
Toronto ranks 11th in steals per game (7.7) while Orlando ranks 17th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Orlando is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Toronto is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Magic’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 4.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Raptors have scored an average of 101.4 points per game (10.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 96.6 points per game (7.2 below their season average).
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