Pelicans vs Magic Prediction and Odds
Pelicans vs Magic Prediction and Odds:The New Orleans Pelicans are expected to win this game against the Orlando Magic as per the bookmakers and stats.
The eagerly anticipated NBA 2023-24 season is quickly approaching, with just a few weeks left before it kicks off. Over the coming days, all 30 teams will be hard at work, putting the finishing touches on their rosters and fine-tuning their strategies during the ongoing NBA Preseason. The Orlando Magic will begin their preseason journey with an away game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Tuesday, October 10.
Orlando Magic
Despite making a significant improvement over their previous record, the Orlando Magic struggled to maintain consistency throughout the last NBA season. While they initially appeared to be on course for at least a Play-In berth during the midseason, their hopes were dashed by a disappointing finish to the regular season. The Magic endured a discouraging four-game losing streak towards the end of the season, ultimately concluding their campaign with a record of 34-48. For the third consecutive season, Orlando was unable to secure a playoff spot.
New Orleans Pelicans
In the previous season, the New Orleans Pelicans had a somewhat ordinary regular season performance. Nevertheless, they remained in contention for the championship. The Pelicans wrapped up their regular season with a 42-40 record, securing the 9th spot in the Western Conference and earning a place in the Play-In Tournament. Unfortunately, New Orleans fell short of securing a playoff berth, as they were eliminated following a 118-123 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Play-In matchup.
Offense
- During the 2022-23 NBA regular season, the Orlando Magic maintained an average scoring rate of 111.4 points per game. They displayed a shooting accuracy of 47.0% in field goals and 34.6% in their three-point attempts. The Magic had their free throw conversion rate at 78.4%. Orlando was the 5th-lowest ranked side in the attack with an Adjusted Offensive Rating of 112.0.
- In the previous season, the New Orleans Pelicans played with a scoring rate of 114.4 points per game. They showcased decent shooting efficiency, achieving a 48.0% success rate on their field goal attempts, displaying a 3-point shooting accuracy of 36.4%, and performing with a 79.3% free-throw shooting percentage. The Pelicans were ranked 22 in the offense with an Adjusted Offensive Rating of 114.1.
Defense
- Opposing teams playing against the Orlando Magic in the previous season averaged 114.0 points per game. These teams managed to achieve a 47.6% field goal conversion rate and a 35.1% success rate in three-pointers. Regarding rebounding, the Magic secured an average of 42.0 rebounds per game, while also maintaining averages of 7.7 steals and 5.1 blocks per game. The Magic was rated 113.9 on defense with a rank of 16 in the league.
- The New Orleans Pelicans’ opponents averaged 112.5 points per game against them in the last season. These opponents managed to convert field goals at a rate of 47.2% and had a 33.9% accuracy from beyond the three-point line. In the rebounding department, the Pelicans averaged 41.8 rebounds per game and maintained averages of 7.3 steals and 4.7 blocks per game. New Orleans was the 6th-best defensive side in the regular season having an Adjusted Defensive Rating of 112.5.
As per the betting markets, the home side, New Orleans Pelicans are expected to win this contest.
Spread
- Orlando Magic: +5.5 (-105)
- New Orleans Pelicans: -5.5 (-105)
Moneyline
- Orlando Magic: +165
- New Orleans Pelicans: -202
In the NBA, these two teams have faced each other 45 times in the regular season. The Orlando Magic holds the advantage with 25 wins, while the New Orleans Pelicans have secured victory in 20 games.
If we look at their most recent five matchups, the Pelicans emerged victorious in three games, while the Magic won two. The most recent encounter occurred on February 27, 2023, when the Orlando Magic came out on top with a score of 101-93.
Head-to-Head Key Highlights: Last 5 Regular Season Meetings
- The Number of Home games won by the New Orleans Pelicans: 0
- The Number of Away games won by the Orlando Magic: 2
- The Average Number of Total Points scored: 217.2
- The Average Number of Points scored by the New Orleans Pelicans: 110.0
- The Average Number of Points scored by the Orlando Magic: 107.2
Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero (Power Forward)
Franz Wagner (Small Forward)
Wendell Carter Jr. (Center)
New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson (Power Forward)
Brandon Ingram (Small Forward)
CJ McCollum (Shooting Guard)
The Orlando Magic have a lot to improve before the start of another regular season. To enhance their playoff prospects, they must deliver strong performances right from the beginning. On the other hand, the New Orleans Pelicans appear to be the stronger team in this upcoming matchup.
