On Monday, 02/25, the Orlando Magic (29-30) will host the Cleveland Cavaliers (47-10) in an Eastern Conference Regular-Season match-up. The Magic are currently at the 7th spot in the East whereas the Cavaliers continue to reign at the top of the Eastern Conference. Will the Magic be able to turn up an upset against the elite Cavs? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Magic: Back to their winning ways?
The Orlando Magic will enter the match-up after a prolific 20-point win(110-90) against the Washington Wizards as Franz Wagner put up 23 points. They are 5-3 after a lean 10-20 period due to an array of injuries. During their latest eight-game stretch, they have scored 108.5 points per game, an improvement from their season average of 104.3 PPG(Last). During the same period, their defense has remained stellar as they have given up just 104.4 PPG(2nd) which is on par with their performances throughout the season.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Cole Anthony | SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | SF: Franz Wagner | PF: Paolo Banchero| C: Wendell Carter Jr.
Injuries: Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner are OUT.
Cavaliers: The winning march doesn’t skip a beat
The Cavaliers will come into this affair after a 6-point win against the Memphis Grizzlies behind a 33-point performance by Donovan Mitchell. They have won seven in a row and 11 out of their last 12 games. They have put up 122.9 PPG(1st) for the season, nailing 16.1 triples per game(2nd) on an efficient 39.1% from deep(1st). Meanwhile, their defense has also been excellent as they have given up just 111.7 PPPG(10th).
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Darius Garland | SG: Donovan Mitchell | SF: Max Strus | PF: Evan Mobley | C: Jarrett Allen
Injuries: Darius Garland and Javonte Green are Game-Time Decisions.
The Magic have been one of the if not the best defensive units in the league. After some fluctuations, they are back to their good ol’ ways and have restricted teams to 108 or fewer points in four straight games. Meanwhile, the Cavs have scored 128 or more points in five of the last six games, which has been their recipe throughout the season. Meanwhile, they have conceded 108 or fewer points in four of the last five games. Overall, this can be a much lower-scoring game than most Cavs’ affairs which usually go past 235 points. I expect the total to be between 220-230 here.
Projected Predictions:
Franz Wagner to score over 26 points: Wagner has tallied 26.2 PPG in February. He has scored 25 or more points in six of the last ten games. He scored just 17 points during his last game against the Cavs way back in November, but I expect him to get near 30 points here.
Wendell Carter Jr. to grab at least 8 rebounds: The Magic center has averaged 7.4 RPG for the season but has grabbed 9 or more rebounds in four straight games. I believe he will hit the mark here too.
Donovan Mitchell to be held under 24 points: Mitchell has scored 26 or more points in three straight games. However, I believe the Magic defense will limit him under the 24-point mark here.
Jarrett Allen to grab at least 12 rebounds: Allen has averaged 12 rebounds per game in February. During the last meeting against the Orlando Magic, he clasped 11 rebounds but I believe he will be close to the 15-rebounds mark.
The Magic has been playing some solid ball lately but has lost too many close games. On the other hand, Cavs have been peerless in the East and their ability to garner big wins has made them borderline invincible. I believe the Cavaliers will be in for another win here, however, it may be fewer than 10 points.
Safe Spread Pick: Cavaliers -8.5 for +105 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Mike Watters- Imagn Images
nba Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!
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