How To Watch, Betting Odds, Predictions

Tonight, two teams still hoping to secure homecourt advantage in the first round of the postseason will square off against each other. The 42-26 New Orleans Pelicans, currently the fifth seed in the Western Conference (just one game behind the 43-25 LA Clippers) are heading to the Kia Center to do battle with the the 41-28 Orlando Magic, who are also the fifth seed in their own conference, the East, just 0.5 games behind the 41-27 New York Knicks. The Knicks are literally and figuratively vulnerable, however, as starting forwards OG Anunoby and Julius Randle are both shelved with lingering injuries.

It should be an exciting matchup between two elite squads, loaded with intriguing young talent and primed to make a postseason push. Both teams no doubt want to reach at least the fourth seed in their respective conferences, as that would mean they would get to host the opposition in a theoretical Game 7 meeting during the first round of the playoffs. And both clubs now briefly stand in diametrical opposition to each other as they look to add another win to their checklists, with less than a month to go until the postseasons tips off.

Curious about how you can watch, who’s hurt, what Vegas thinks of the bout, and more? Then read on. We’ve got you covered.

How To Watch

This matchup will be broadcast nationally, albeit on NBA TV. Otherwise, folks in Orlando can tune in to Bally Sports Florida, while fans in the Big Easy can check out the action via Bally Sports New Orleans. The bout tips off at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET.

Injuries

According to the league’s latest injury report, Pelicans point guard Dyson Daniels (left knee meniscectomy) is out. Two-way players Malcolm Hill and Dereon Seabron are on assignment with New Orleans’ G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron, as is young player E.J. Lidell. Center Cody Zeller is able to play, albeit while wearing his face mask for stabilization. Two-way signing Matt Ryan is dealing with a non-COVID-19 illness. For Orlando, two-way players Kevon Harris and Trevelin Queen are both away from the team with its own NBAGL affiliate, the Osceola Magic, while rookie lottery pick Jett Howard is on assignment.

Betting Odds

The Pelicans are slight (-3 point) favorites to win on the road, according to sports book aggregator The Action Network. New Orleans does feel like the more veteran-laden club, but the Magic are 24-9 at home. Bet against New Orleans covering. Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson has been awarded the highest-scoring over/under line, at 22.5 points, two clear of newly-minted Magic All-Star forward Paolo Banchero. The two players should see plenty of time matched up against one another.

Williamson has also been utilized as a point forward in lots of funky, jumbo-sized, long-limbed lineups, but even then he’ll have to deal with top-notch defensive point guard Markelle Fultz. Three players have over/under lines of converting 2.5 triples tries a night: Pelicans C.J. McCollum and Trey Murphy, and Orlando shooting guard Jalen Suggs. Look for McCollum is the safest bet here. He’s connecting on 41.2% of his 7.9 trey attempts a game (i.e. 3.3), and should be unleashed in Orlando, as the team’s frontcourt prioritizes limiting high-scoring New Orleans forwards Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

Predictions

Look for Orlando to win a close one. The Action Network’s projected over/under total combined score tonight is a relatively low 208. Let’s set the final score a bit over that: Magic 115, Pelicans 106.