The Orlando Magic (31-25) play away from home at the Detroit Pistons (8-47) tonight. While the visitors look to extend their win streak to four, the hosts hope to avoid a fifth loss in a row. Additionally, the away side won their previous encounters earlier. Hence why they look to take a 3-0 regular season series lead tonight.
However, these trends could indicate that the home team is due for a win in front of their fans. Moreover, their most recent close loss came by six points against a good Los Angeles Clippers team. So they have the ability to put a solid night together.
But do you see a surprise victory happening tonight?
Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Orlando Magic | -8 -110 |
O 225 -108 |
-325 |
| Detroit Pistons | +8 -110 |
U 225 -112 |
+260 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: Orlando Magic @ Detroit Pistons
Date And Time: February 24, 2024 @ 8:00 p.m. EST
Location: Little Ceasars Arena in Detroit, Michigan
Key Stats
Orlando Magic (Averages)
Points: 111.8
Points Allowed: 110.8
Field Goal Efficiency: 40.8/86.0 for 47.4%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 10.9/31.1 for 35.1%
Free Throw Efficiency: 19.3/25.5 for 75.8%
Rebounds: 11.0 Offensive, 31.7 Defensive, 42.7 Combined
Assists: 24.9
Steals: 8.1
Blocks: 5.2
Turnovers: 13.8
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.6/84.8 for 47.9%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 11.6/32.5 for 35.7%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 18.0/23.6 for 76.3%
Rebounds Against: 9.4 Offensive, 31.1 Defensive, 40.6 Combined
Orlando remains an underrated team. While they may not have the horses to advance in the playoffs, getting there shouldn’t be a problem for them. They currently sit in eighth, but teams above them have some internal issues and are likely to fall. But even if they are forced to undergo the play-in tournament path, this team will see themselves in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Additionally, the Orlando Magic continues to impress as of late. Especially against an overmanned Detroit Pistons team, they should get a victory today.
Firstly, Paolo Banchero is their best overall player. Especially as he comes off a quiet game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he should be big tonight. Furthermore, Gary Harris has been limited as a starter lately. He’s someone who can get themselves going against the Detroit Pistons. Finally, Franz Wagner provides 23.1 points per game in his last ten games. He needs to also continue his hot scoring against the Pistons for the Orlando Magic.
Paolo Banchero so polished for a young player already. Top 5 in the East
pic.twitter.com/9mCpsn22jz— Above The Rim Podcast (@jusblaze_513) February 23, 2024
Detroit Pistons (Averages)
Points: 112.9
Points Allowed: 122.1
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.3/89.5 for 47.3%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.2/31.0 for 36.0%
Free Throw Efficiency: 17.1/22.1 for 77.3%
Rebounds: 11.2 Offensive, 32.5 Defensive, 43.7 Combined
Assists: 26.5
Steals: 6.0
Blocks: 4.8
Turnovers: 14.9
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 44.3/89.5 for 49.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 11.9/31.5 for 37.9%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 21.7/26.5 for 81.6%
Rebounds Against: 9.5 Offensive, 33.0 Defensive, 42.5 Combined
Detroit is not a good roster. Additionally, missing Isaiah Stewart doesn’t shift the game too much, but it doesn’t help an already depleted team. Neither side of the ball is particularly good, but focusing on the defense is a priority. Even if they have a good shooting night, they usually give up too many easy looks on the other end. Therefore, they need to muddy this game up and keep the Orlando Magic within striking distance late if they hope to win.
From the perimeter, Cade Cunningham needs to ease the pressure off Grant with his 45.1% shooting from range. But in reality, this game is likely to get ugly and not be a close one. Even the the Orlando Magic are traveling to Detroit, the visitors have the edge everywhere.
Cade Cunningham last night:
30 PTS | 5 REB | 8 AST | 1 STL
Easily his best game since returning from injury, he finished with a team-high +10 in a game Detroit were down as many as 30 points. pic.twitter.com/WJTSuQ66mi
— Jack Kelly (@jack_kelly_313) February 23, 2024
Game Prediction
I see this game playing out as expected. But the spread is too low, the Orlando Magic will easily win this game by double-figures. Again, outside of a career night from Cunningham, it’s hard to see this game staying particularly close. Therefore, I am comfortable picking the Magic against the spread.
Additionally, the point total is too high for this game. While the visitors may score, I see the home team struggling to keep pace. Although you’re always afraid of a backdoor cover during a blowout game, the Pistons will still not be likely to produce enough points to threaten the Over. You should also take the Under knowing that the Orlando Magic have good defensive matchups and will be able to make life difficult for the Pistons.
Final Pick
Orlando Magic -8 and Under 225
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
