Orlando’s four-game Western Conference trip is off to a poor start following a 117-104 loss to Phoenix on Thursday. It was their 3rd loss in a row and 6th in 8 games this season. Their luck might turn soon with a somewhat easier schedule coming up, but only after Saturday’s game against the Warriors. In order to beat Golden State, the Magic will have to be on top of their game offensively and that’s just not something we’ve seen from them so far this season. This team has gone under 100 points already 4 times this year, understandable with their best player Paolo Banchero out injured, along with Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Isaac. History is also not their friend going into this match-up as the Warriors have won 5 of the last 6 meetings.
Golden State has completely turned the corner with 6 consecutive wins, following an 0-3 start to their season. Kristaps Porzingis retiring to focus on his health made headlines yesterday, but I do not anticipate this being a problem on the court as they’ve played without him in all 9 games so far this season. This is a match-up that should favor Curry and co. – the Magic rank 23rd for three-point percentage allowed (36.7%), with that number going up to 38.8% in road games. Just 1 defeat in 5 home games is also encouraging, however if the Warriors want to win and cover the spread, they’ll have to put in the work in the rebounding department against the strong front unit of the Magic. They’ve done a fantastic job at that so far this season, allowing 49.9 rebs per game which is the 3rd best mark in the NBA.
Orlando has not won in Golden State for the past 3 seasons, losing the 3 games by 23, 6 and 8 points. With so many important key players out and the Warriors cooking right now, I just can’t see them being competitive in this one. I think their focus is on the 3 games after this one where they play the Kings, Jazz and Bucks. Roll with the Warriors here.
Magic vs Warriors Predictions: Warriors -6.5 is available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.
