Orlando Magic vs Phoenix Suns 3/16/23 – Orlando will attempt to keep its slim playoff hopes alive when it travels to Phoenix on Thursday night. After dropping four of their last five games, the Magic have effectively ended any chance at making the postseason. Phoenix has lost three consecutive games but still maintains fourth place in the Western Conference standings and they are the NBA best pick today to claim the victory in this game.
Orlando Magic vs Phoenix Suns
Date & Time: Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 10:00 PM ET
Location: Footprint Center
TV: NBAt
Orlando Magic vs Phoenix Suns Betting Odds
Magic
Moneyline: +230
Spread: +7 (-116)
Total: 229 over (-110)
Suns
Moneyline: -323
Spread: -7 (-116)
Total: 229 over (-110)
Orlando Magic vs Phoenix Suns Analysis
Orlando Magic appeared to be making a late run at an Eastern Conference playoff spot when it got within eight games of the 0.500 mark in late December. But since then, they’ve been unable to break through, having lost four out of their last five games coming into this matchup – beating Miami in overtime on Saturday before falling to San Antonio as 7-point favorites on Tuesday. At present, Orlando sits four games back of tenth place and the final spot in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament. CBS Sports gives the Magic a slim chance of making the playoffs, as two teams are three or more games ahead in the race to catch 10th-place Washington. Furthermore, Orlando faces an extremely challenging schedule down the stretch with all but one game against teams currently in or near the playoff field. At present, Orlando ranks No. 27 in scoring (111.6), led by rookie Paolo Banchero’s 20.1 points per game plus 6.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists per contest; Franz Wagner averages 18.7 points while Wendell Carter Jr. adds 15.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game against a Phoenix defense that allows 111.4 points per game.
Phoenix Suns had become one of the NBA’s most reliable teams after starting off 21-24. But they won 16 out of their next 21 games to climb eight games above 0.500, winning four straight matches to open March. Devin Booker scored 44 points in their win against Oklahoma City, but since then Phoenix has lost three straight games – to Kings, Warriors and Bucks. After not losing three straight since mid-January, these Suns will be motivated to get back on track this game against Houston. Phoenix is currently in fourth place in the Western Conference standings, four games behind Sacramento for third. They remain one game ahead of both Warriors and Clippers with plenty of movement possible down the stretch. Unfortunately, star Kevin Durant has only played three games since being acquired before the trade deadline; his status remains uncertain until at least the end of this month; however, Phoenix hopes he can return healthy for their playoff run. As No. 19 in scoring with 113.2 points per game, Phoenix faces off against an Orlando defense that ranks No. 17 with 114.6 points allowed per contest.
Orlando Magic vs Phoenix Suns Against the Spread
Orlando are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games. The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando’s last 5 games. Orlando are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games. Orlando are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games against Phoenix. Orlando are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games against Phoenix. Orlando are 10-5 ATS in their last 15 games on the road.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix’s last 6 games. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix’s last 6 games against Orlando. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix’s last 5 games at home. The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Phoenix’s last 12 games when playing at home against Orlando. Phoenix are 10-4 SU in their last 14 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference conference. Phoenix are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games against an opponent in the Southeast Division division.
Orlando Magic vs Phoenix Suns Free Pick
The Magic have only won and covered the spread once in their last five games, effectively dashing their playoff hopes. Now they must face off against a Phoenix team on an uncommon three-game skid that will be eager to get back on track against an Eastern Conference bottom feeder. On Thursday night, the Suns still possess enough talent and motivation to cover the spread even without Durant as per NBA betting trends.
Free Pick: Phoenix Suns -7 (-116)
