Surprise Defensive Beasts Magic and Pelicans Duel
Magic vs Pelicans Odds, Matchup and More
A pair of small-market teams have surprised this year with both sitting smack dab in the middle of the NBA playoff standings. The Orlando Magic are currently the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference and the New Orleans Pelicans are now the sixth seed in the West. The Magic vs Pelicans odds favor the latter at home at -4 with a total set at 209.
Since the All-Star break, these are two of the best defensive teams in the league. The Magic are number one in defensive rating and the Pelicans are fourth. Expect a hard-fought defensive battle on Wednesday when these two meet.
We will look at Magic vs Pelicans odds, NBA games today, and past matchups to see if we can find an edge for Wednesday’s game.
Orlando Magic vs New Orleans Pelicans 
Day/Time:
Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Streaming: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports New Orleans, Bally Sports Florida
Suggs Mean Mug
The Orlando Magic edged out a close win against the Portland Trail Blazers 104-103. Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. led the Magic’s offense with 20 and 17 points respectively. The win keeps Orlando in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, but a narrow victory against one of the league’s worst teams is not inspiring.
The Magic are 7-3 in their last ten games and have corrected themselves after three losses in a row to Western Conference playoff teams in the Clippers, Warriors, and Kings. Wednesday will be another test against a difficult Western opponent. The Pelicans are the only team above .500, which the Magic have beaten in their last ten games.
Jalen Suggs is so dang good. https://t.co/cHYAihH1BU pic.twitter.com/QScH7oKYJS
— ORLmuse (@ORLmuse) April 2, 2024
Someone who has stepped up big for the Magic of their last stretch of games is Jalen Suggs. Known primarily as a defensive stopper, and making a strong case for his first All-Defensive team, Suggs cannot be taken off the floor. His extended minutes have led to an offensive load increase as well.
Suggs is using his playing time to fill up the stat sheet. In his last ten games, he has gone over his points/rebounds prop seven times. He is also nailing his shots from range, going over his 3-pointer prop in eight of his last ten games.
The Pelicans are one of the better teams in the league at guarding guards and give up the least amount of rebounds to point guards in the league. Wednesday’s game could be an under opportunity for Suggs’s hot streak to end.
Pelicans Taking Ls
The Pelicans have lost two games in a row. Although they were against two title-contending teams the Phoenix Suns and the Boston Celtics, those are the types of teams the Pelicans will need to be to prove themselves a month that playoff peers. The Pelicans are 6-4 In their last ten matchups, and have signature wins against the Bucks, Heat, and Clippers.
Their loss on Monday night against the Suns (Devin Booker scored 50 points) was a failed opportunity to show themselves as a serious threat in the West. Although beating the Magic wouldn’t be headline-grabbing win, it would feel great for Pelicans fans.
Check out Zion Williamson for some possible prop bets on Wednesday. Although he dominates offensively due to his size, he has struggled on the glass. Averaging a measly 5.8 rebounds per game, he has gone under on his rebounding prop in four of the Pelican’s last six games.
The Magic are top ten in offensive rebound percentage and top five in defensive rebound percentage since the all-star break. Zion could be looking at another low rebound night on Wednesday.
“Even when we’re small, he is still the point guard… We can create mismatches now. We have to be better at rebounding the ball when we go to those lineups but it has helped us this season”
— Willie Green on the Zion at 5 lineups pic.twitter.com/qJQEZz3ugt
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) April 1, 2024
What Happened Last Time?
Magic vs Pelicans odds opened at Pelicans -4 with a total set at 209.
In their last matchup, Orlando won 121-106. Paolo Banchero overcame a slow start to notch a triple-double (20 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists), while Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner provided additional scoring power.
Despite a strong showing from Zion Williamson, the Pelicans were weakened by Brandon Ingram’s injury and their turnovers. Orlando’s defense and a surge in the second quarter, fueled by key bench contributions, ultimately sealed the victory. The game hit the over.
Although these teams only play two times each year, the Magic have had an edge for the last few years. They are 7-3 in their last ten games against the Pelicans and are 6-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last 10 games. We think the Pelicans have a good chance at evening the series on Wednesday. But four points is a lot to give the Magic.
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