It has been really painful to watch the Orlando Magic at times this season, especially on the offensive end where they’ve struggled a fair bit. They just haven’t been able to cope with Paolo Banchero’s injury, their last 3 of 4 games have seen them score under 100 points against the Wizards, Celtics and Raptors. On a night where you’re’ facing a team that scores 115+ on a regular basis, the Magic will need everyone to step up offensively in order to keep up. Turnovers have also been problematic, they force only 14.3 per game with ranks them 24th in the NBA. This team lacks a true point guard and until they get one they’ll struggle to compete.
Phoenix is in a similar situation – at 1-5 SU to start the year, they just haven’t lived up to the modest expectations we put in front of them when the season was staring. The biggest reason for that is the absence of their center Mark Williams. Without him the defense has just crumbled under the pressure, right now they’re allowing 124.3 ppg which is the 2nd highest mark in the NBA behind Chicago’s 129.6 per game. Most defensive efficiency stats have this team ranked bottom or near the bottom and until they decide to put in the effort on that end, they’ll have issues regardless who the opponent is.
Two very similar teams that have underachieved heavily to start the year. I feel like Phoenix is in a slightly better situation, considering they’re capable of putting up points at any given moment. Their last four outings have seen them score 114, 120, 113 and 119 – all against solid Western Conference opponents. I’ll give them the edge because of that and the fact that they’re playing at home here.
Orlando Magic vs Phoenix Suns Predictions: Suns -1.5 is available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.
