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Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic Betting Preview 03/22/18

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Orlando Magic (21-50) take on the Philadelphia 76ers (40-30) at Amway Center. The game will air on NBATV at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 22, 2018.

Philadelphia opened as a 6-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 212 points.

Philadelphia 76ers at Orlando Magic ATS Prediction

In the 76ers’ last game, they defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 119-105. Philadelphia’s 0.613 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Memphis, who had a mark of 0.449. The 76ers’ mark was above their season average of 0.530. Ben Simmons played a pivotal role for Philadelphia with 13 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.

The Magic were beaten by the Toronto Raptors in their last contest, 93-86. Toronto’s 0.117 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Orlando, who had a rate of 0.033. The Raptors’ mark was below their season average of 0.208, while the Magic’s was below their season average of 0.186. Orlando’s Nikola Vucevic had 15 points and nine rebounds in the game.

Orlando might struggle to score as they square off against one of the league’s best defenses. Philadelphia currently ranks fourth in defensive efficiency, while the Magic rank 25th in offensive efficiency. Furthermore, the 76ers rank third in offensive rebounding percentage (25.6 percent), while the Magic rank 30th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.3 percent).

Philadelphia heads into the contest with records of 40-30 straight up (SU) and 38-31 against the spread (ATS). A little over half of the 76ers’ games have finished under the projected point total.

Meanwhile, Orlando owns records of 21-50 SU and 33-36-2 ATS. Vegas has a tendency to place the total high when the Magic are involved, as 41 of their 69 games have gone under the O/U total.

Simmons has averaged 13.2 points, 11.0 assists, 9.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals over the last five games for Philadelphia.

The 76ers have emerged victorious in both games against the Magic this year, including a 116-105 victory in their last matchup. Philadelphia covered as a 10-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 221 points, which was just 3.5 points above the projected point total of 217.5 points. The 76ers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.0 vs. 14.3) and had a better free throw rate (0.284 vs. 0.188). Joel Embiid recorded a double-double with 28 points and 14 rebounds.

Philadelphia 76ers at Orlando Magic Pick

Pick: SU Winner – 76ers, ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Under

Notes

Betting Notes:

On the road, Philadelphia is 17-20 ATS with 20 overs and 17 unders.

At home, Orlando is 14-19-1 ATS with 21 unders and 13 overs.

Orlando is 9-7 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Philadelphia is 17-0.

In games where they reach the century mark, the 76ers are 37-18 and the Magic are 21-28.

Philadelphia ranks second in points allowed in the paint per game (41.6) while Orlando ranks last (49.1).

The 76ers rank first in rebounds per game (46.7) while the Magic rank 26th (41.1).

Philadelphia ranks fifth in second chance points per game (13.6) while Orlando ranks 25th (10.7).

The 76ers average 26.1 assists per game, which ranks third in the NBA. The Magic rank 22nd in assists allowed per game (24.3).

Orlando ranks 17th in steals allowed per game (7.9) while Philadelphia ranks 28th (8.7).

The Magic rank 21st in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.5) while the 76ers rank last (19.1).

Philadelphia ranks 10th in blocks per game (5.0) while Orlando ranks 18th in blocks allowed per game (5.0).

The 76ers average 10.3 fast break points per game, which ranks 20th in the league. The Magic rank 21st in fast break points allowed per game (12.5).

Bettings Trends:

In their last five games, Philadelphia is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.

Orlando is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.

The 76ers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.4, up from 2.6 for the season.

During their last five games, the Magic have scored an average of 94.4 points per game (10.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 104.6 points per game (4.5 below their season average).

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Written by GMS Previews

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