Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic Betting Preview | Dec 27

Philadelphia 76ers (20-9 SU, 21-8 ATS) vs. Orlando Magic (18-11 SU, 20-9 ATS)

When: Wednesday, December 27th, 7:00 PM (ET)

Where: Kia Center, FL, Orlando

TV: NBCS

Point Spread: Phi +3/Orl -3

Total: 225

Money Line: Philadelphia 76ers +124/-149

Notable Injuries

76ers

• Nicolas Batum (Out) Hamstring
• Joel Embiid (Out) Ankle

Magic

• Gary Harris (Questionable) Calf
• Joe Ingles (Questionable) Ankle
• Markelle Fultz (Out) Knee
• Jonathan Isaac (Questionable) Hamstring
• Kevon Harris (Out) Coach’s Decision

Recent Form

Coming into today’s matchup against the Magic, the 76ers have a record of 20-9 and are above .500. In the Eastern Conference, they are currently in 3rd place and are 2nd in the Atlantic division.

Coming into today’s matchup vs. the 76ers, the Magic are above .500 at 18-11. Against teams from the Eastern Conference, the Magic are 13-8 and are 5-3 in non-conference games.

The Historicals

Across the previous 5 meetings between the teams, the 76ers have an average scoring margin of +9 points per game, leading to an ATS mark of 3-2. Over the course of these games, they averaged 219 points per game, leading a 2-3 over-under record.

Analysis

In their latest game, the 76ers offense put up 113 points against the Heat. They recorded an overall field goal percentage of 42.6% and made 17 threes. Tobias Harris was the leading scorer for the 76ers, putting up 27 points. In addition, Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 25 points.

The 76ers’ defense is presently ranked 6 in the league, allowing an average of 111.2 points per contest.

Opponents are hitting 53.4% of their two-point field goal attempts this season, and they’re also connecting on 34.3% of their three-point attempts.

The Magic offense is coming off a game in which they scored 127 points vs. the Wizards. Overall, their field goal percentage was 52.7% while connecting on 12 threes. The team’s scoring leader is Paolo Banchero, who holds an average of 21.3 as they head into today’s matchup. Additionally, Franz Wagner is averaging 20.5 points per game this season.

So far, the Magic’s defense is ranked 5 in the league at 110.7 points per contest.

When it comes to defending inside the arc, the Magic squad is permitting opposing teams to shoot at a clip of 53.8% inside the arc, and they’re also giving up 36.8% from downtown.

Betting Trends

• In their last five road games, Philadelphia has averaged 125 points per game while allowing 112 . The team’s record in this stretch was 3-2 while going 4-1 vs. the spread.
• Orlando has a 2-3 record in their last five home games. In this stretch, they averaged 113 points per game while allowing 117. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-2.
• The last five games that Philadelphia was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 2-3 while going 1-4 straight up.
• The Magic have played well in their last five games as the betting favorite, going 4-1 straight up and 3-2 against the spread.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

Even without Joel Embiid, I actually like the Sixers in this spot as 3-point underdogs. Look for a big game from Tyrese Maxey as he will look to carry Philadelphia’s offense. I like the Sixers at +3.