Magic vs. Thunder NBA expert prediction and odds for Saturday, Jan. 13 (Bet on OKC)
By Peter Dewey
Can the Oklahoma City Thunder’s magical season keep going?
Oddsmakers seem to think so, as the team is massively favored on Saturday at home.
The Orlando Magic are banged up right now, entering this game without Franz Wagner, Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris and Wendell Carter Jr.
That’s going to make it tough on them on the second night of a back-to-back against a surging OKC squad. While the Thunder beat the Miami Heat 128-120 on Wednesday night, the Magic lost to that same Miami team (without Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler) 99-96 on Friday.
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Let’s dive into the odds for Saturday’s showdown between two of the better young teams in the NBA.
Magic vs. Thunder odds, spread and total
Magic vs. Thunder how to watch
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 13
- Time: 8:00 p.m. EST
- Venue: Paycom Center
- How to watch (TV): Bally Sports Southwest, Bally Sports Florida
- Magic record: 21-17
- Thunder record: 26-11
Magic vs. Thunder injury reports
Magic injury report
- Franz Wagener – out
- Joe Ingles – out
- Jett Howard – out
- Kevon Harris – out
- Gary Harris – out
- Markelle Fultz – out
- Wendell Carter Jr. – out
Thunder injury report
- None to report
Magic vs. Thunder key players to watch
Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero: Banchero has been forced into a major role on offense with Wagner out, taking at least 20 shots in seven straight games, including three games with 25 or more shot attempts. He’s shooting 43.4 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from 3 over that stretch. OKC will need to contain Paolo tonight.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: An MVP candidate, SGA has simply been one of the NBA’s best players this season, and he should have a fun matchup with young guard Jalen Suggs – a strong defender – tonight. SGA is averaging 31.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game while shooting 55.5 percent from the field this season.
Magic vs. Thunder prediction and pick
The Thunder have been dominant as home favorites this season, going 12-3 against the spread, and that’s partially why they are double-digit favorites in this game.
Orlando has been great defensively this season, but the team has a major drawback on offense that is being exposed with Wagner out.
The Magic are 28th in the NBA in 3-pointers made per game and just 24th in the league in effective field goal percentage. Orlando simply doesn’t have a lot of proven offense after Banchero, and it’s made it tough on the team as of late.
The Magic are also just 9-8 ATS as road dogs, and they’ve got a tough black-to-back after playing in Miami on Friday.
There’s a chance that a healthy OKC squad runs away with this game after blowing out Portland on Thursday. I love the Thunder to keep their winning ways going tonight.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.