Orlando Magic - Toronto Raptors predictions and free betting tips [22/11/2023]

Wednesday morning sees the Toronto Raptors visiting the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center. The Magic are tipped to win.

Orlando Magic

The Magic have been in superb form, winning 4 out of their last 5 games, and are eyeing a 4th straight victory, especially after a resounding win against the Indiana Pacers with a score of 128:116. Paolo Banchero significantly contributed to this game, scoring 24 points, Franz Wagner added 19 points, Jalen Suggs scored 18 points, and Moritz Wagner contributed 16 points off the bench. The Magic showcased a 49% shooting accuracy from the field and executed 7 out of 20 three-pointers, amassing a 40-point lead and preemptively resting all their starters.

Orlando are coming back home after a successful road trip with 3 wins and 1 loss, including 2 wins over the Chicago Bulls and a win over the Pacers. They now stand level with Miami Heat in the race for 1st place in the division, having won 3 games on the trot. Paolo Banchero continues to show excellent play, scoring 20 points in 5 games this month. Franz Wagner's performances show inconsistency, hitting less than 43% in 2 out of the last 3 games, averaging 18.5 points and 5.6 rebounds.

Orlando's home record stands at a mere 3-1 out of 4 matches, including a win over the Los Angeles Lakers and a loss to Dallas Mavericks. On average, Orlando scores 109.4 points per game (26th in the league), and their defence holds opponents to 106.6 points per game, placing them 3rd in the NBA.

Toronto Raptors

The Raptors are on good form having won 4 out of their last 7 games, and are keen to extend this momentum after securing a victory against Detroit Pistons with a score of 142:113. Pascal Siakam led the team, scoring 23 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, while Scottie Barnes and Dennis Schroder each added 17 points, and Jakob Poeltl chipped in with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. The Raptors showcased 53% shooting accuracy and executed 14 out of 36 three-pointers, dominating from the game's onset and securing a 40-point lead.

Scottie Barnes is having an exceptional season, averaging 20.1 points and 8.9 rebounds, while Pascal Siakam continues to shine, averaging 19.4 points and 4.9 assists. Dennis Schroder, who scored 40 points in the last two matches, is averaging 15.6 points per game and leads the team with 7.3 assists.

On the road, the Raptors showcased competitiveness with a record of 2-3, including a win over the Dallas Mavericks and a loss to Boston Celtics. The team averages 110.8 points per game, standing 23rd in the league, conceding 110.8 points, which places them 10th in the league. In 3 out of their last 4 games, the Raptors scored 113 points or less, indicative of their sturdy defence.

Prediction

Toronto Raptors are still missing Thaddeus Young, while Orlando Magic are missing Markelle Fultz and Wendell Carter Jr. Both teams are approaching the upcoming showdown on a winning streak, making it ambiguous to pick a favourite. However, given the impressive performances of the Magic since the start of the season, particularly in their last victory against the Indiana Pacers, I believe they hold the advantage in this match.