- What: NBA Regular Season Game
- When: November 13, 2024
- Who: Indiana Pacers vs. Orlando Magic
- Time: 7:10 p.m. EST
- Where: Kia Center (Orlando, FL)
The Orlando Magic will host the Indiana Pacers at Kia Center on Wednesday night. The Magic have a 6-6 record on the season and are undefeated at home, with a perfect 5-0 record.
On the other hand, Indiana is 5-5 overall and struggling a bit with a 2-4 road record. The Pacers have shown improvement recently, winning three of their last four games leading up to this matchup.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacer’s offensive prowess has been impressive, mirroring their performance from last season when they ranked among the best in the league.
Recently, they’ve lit up the scoreboard with totals of 132, 118, and 134 points in their past three wins. If they can replicate that offensive output, they stand a strong chance of continuing their success.
Indiana has already faced the Magic twice this season, with each team winning one game. In their most recent matchup, the Pacers prevailed while the Magic were missing star player forward Paolo Banchero.
To complicate matters for Orlando, they may also be without forward Wendell Carter Jr., which could weaken their presence in the paint.
another meeting with the Magic ???? pic.twitter.com/3OihjjroBc
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) November 13, 2024
The Pacers need to capitalize on these absences. Indiana scored 118 points in their win over the Magic, so they’ll need to score at least 115 points again to secure another victory.
Point guard Tyrese Haliburton is vital for the Pacers. Although he began the season slowly, he’s significantly improved lately.
Recently, he delivered his best performance of the season, scoring 35 points and providing 14 assists. His play often determines the team’s success.
In addition to Haliburton, the Pacers boast talented players like forward Pascal Siakam and guard Benedict Mathurin. With that trio on the floor, Indiana’s chances of winning increase.
The Pacers continue to be without guard Andrew Nembhard and forward Obi Toppin who is currently listed as questionable.
Despite their injuries, the Pacers seem to be finding their rhythm, highlighted by an impressive victory over the New York Knicks on Sunday.
Orlando Magic
On the other hand, the Magic are looking to secure their fourth straight win after a comfortable victory against the Charlotte Hornets last night.
Orlando boasts the second-best defense in the NBA, allowing just 106.3 points per game while limiting opponents to a shooting percentage of 46.2%.
They also excel at preventing free throws, as demonstrated by their impressive performance Tuesday night when they held the Hornets to just 89 points and a shooting percentage of 40.5%.
Orlando just played against the Hornets on Tuesday night so they might feel a bit tired. On the bright side, the Magic seem to be finding their rhythm even without Banchero.
Leading the Magic, is forward Franz Wagner who averages 19.9 points per game and tops the team with 4.5 assists.
back2back let's get it
????: @Pacers
????: @TheKiaCenter
????️: https://t.co/MJZDcDkyVl
????: 7 P.M.
????: @FanDuelSN_FL (pregame 6:30 pm)
????: @969gameon
????: https://t.co/4RdrIe8q8Y pic.twitter.com/xOpBzXYcg0— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) November 13, 2024
Meanwhile, center Goga Bitadze contributes significantly in the rebounding department, pulling down an impressive 6.7 boards per game.
The Magic score an average of 108.5 points per game, which ranks them 22nd in the league overall. They also rank 24th in shooting efficiency, with a field goal percentage of 44.3%.
From beyond the arc, the Magic are connecting on just 30.4% of their attempts, making them one of the three worst 3-point shooting teams in the league.
However, the Magic have been impressive defensively, allowing only 104.8 points per game, the best mark in the NBA.
But opponents still shoot 45.7% from the field, ranking them 22nd in that area. They also rank 22nd in the lead regarding the 3-point shooting, allowing opponents to hit 36.8%.
Pacers-Magic Best Bet
While the Magic have been very good on the defensive end early, I don’t think that will be enough in this one.
This matchup favors the Pacers. They’ve been given extra time to prepare and their offense seems to be coming into form. I’d back the Pacers and lay the 1.5 points with the road squad.
The Pacers’ -1.5 points at BetMGM is the best bet in this one.
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
