As the NBA season approaches its climax, the Sacramento Kings and Orlando Magic find themselves in a crucial matchup at the Kia Center in Orlando. Both teams are vying for playoff positioning, with the Kings (36-37) sitting ninth in the Western Conference and the Magic (35-39) in eighth in the Eastern Conference. The tipoff is set for 5 p.m. ET on March 29, 2025, and fans can catch the action on NBA League Pass, with the Magic favored by a single point.
The Kings are coming off a much-needed victory against the Portland Trail Blazers, which snapped a four-game losing streak. They managed to secure a 128-107 win on Thursday, March 27, showcasing a much-improved performance after a tough stretch. DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 22.0 points per game, while Domantas Sabonis continues to impress, averaging a league-leading 14.1 rebounds per game.
On the other side, the Magic are looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Dallas Mavericks, where they struggled offensively, shooting just 5-for-30 from three-point range. Despite this setback, Orlando has won six of its last ten games and is still in contention for a play-in spot, trailing the seventh-seeded Atlanta Hawks by just half a game.
Historically, the Magic have had success against the Kings this season, having defeated them 130-111 in their previous encounter on February 5, 2025. That game saw the Magic hitting a remarkable 51.6 percent of their three-point attempts, a performance they will need to replicate to secure another victory.
However, the Magic's shooting has been inconsistent throughout the season. They are 7-3 when shooting 40 percent or better from three and 17-7 when hitting at least 35 percent. In contrast, they have struggled significantly in games where their shooting falters, as seen in their recent performance against the Mavericks. The Kings, meanwhile, have struggled defensively, ranking 30th in the league for allowing 38.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
Bench performance will also play a crucial role in this game. The Magic's bench scoring has plummeted since the injury of Moe Wagner, dropping from fifth in the league with 40.0 points per game to 21st with 32.2 points per game. Anthony Black has emerged as a bright spot, averaging 11.4 points and shooting 39.4 percent from three in his last ten games, but the Magic will need more contributions from their second unit to secure a win.
The Kings are also dealing with their share of injuries. Jake LaRavia will miss the game due to a left thumb bone contusion, and Mason Jones is out on a G-League two-way contract. The Magic, meanwhile, will be without Jalen Suggs (left knee trochlea cartilage tear) and Moe Wagner (left knee torn ACL), while Cole Anthony is listed as doubtful due to a left big toe sprain. With key players sidelined, both teams will need their stars to step up.
Orlando's head coach, Jamahl Mosley, has been tightening his rotation as the season winds down, focusing on maximizing minutes for his top players. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have seen their playing time increase significantly, averaging 37.1 and 35.4 minutes per game respectively in March. The duo has been central to Orlando's offensive strategy, with Banchero leading the team with an impressive 25.9 points per game.
As the game approaches, predictions lean towards the Magic, who hold a slight advantage at home with a 19-18 record. The Kings, while resilient, have struggled as underdogs, going 9-15 straight up this season. With the stakes high for both teams, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter.
In terms of betting odds, the Magic are currently favored at -115 to win outright, while the Kings are at -105. The over/under is set at 213.5 total points, indicating a potentially low-scoring affair given both teams' recent struggles on offense.
As both teams look to secure valuable wins to bolster their playoff hopes, the matchup between the Kings and Magic is not just another game on the schedule; it’s a pivotal moment in their respective seasons. With playoff implications on the line, fans can expect a fierce battle as each team fights for a chance to solidify their positions heading into the postseason.
