The Orlando Magic are set to face the Toronto Raptors on January 3, 2025, as they look to halt their three-game road losing streak. The matchup will take place at Scotiabank Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 PM ET, and fans can catch the action live on SportsNet and FDSFL.
Heading to this game, the Magic hold a respectable record of 20 wins and 15 losses, placing them fourth in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Raptors are struggling significantly at 8 wins against 26 losses, languishing in 13th place. This game marks the first encounter this season between the two teams, with Orlando having swept the previous 2023-24 season series, winning all three matchups. Their last meeting was on March 17, where the Magic triumphed with a score of 111-96, bolstered by Paolo Banchero’s impressive 29-point performance.
The Orlando Magic enter this game as 1.5-point favorites, with the total points set at 218. They have fared well against the spread when favored by this margin, holding a 13-6 record. Conversely, Toronto has struggled against the spread, sitting at 16-11-1 when underdogs this season.
Offensively, the Magic have experienced considerable challenges, averaging only 105.6 points per game, ranking them last in the league. Their differential, currently sitting at +72, means they are outscoring opponents by just two points per contest. Notably, the Magic's performance has improved when playing at home, where they average 107.6 points per game. They will need to increase their scoring efficiency to win against the Raptors, especially taking note of their poor 30.6% from beyond the arc this season.
The Raptors have their own set of struggles, with a -253 scoring differential, largely due to their defense, which allows 119.1 points per game—a mark currently ranked 26th. They are scoring 111.6 points, putting them at 18th across the league. Even with home court advantage, they have only managed to win seven of 18 games, indicating the difficulty they have faced during the season.
Key players will likely play pivotal roles tomorrow night. For the Magic, guard Franz Wagner is expected to be influential, averaging 24.4 points and 5.7 assists per game. Their rising star, Goga Bitadze, contributes significantly with 9.9 points and 8.3 rebounds, making him someone to watch out for on the boards. Meanwhile, for the Raptors, RJ Barrett leads the charge, averaging 23.4 points and 6.2 assists per game, serving as the main offensive catalyst for the team. Jakob Poeltl is another key player, contributing averages of 15 points, 10.9 rebounds, and providing key defensive plays this season.
Betting trends indicate the Magic have performed with some consistency, going 19-16-0 against the spread this season, reflecting their capability to cover the expected margins. The over is suggested at 218, though both teams have faced challenges with scoring and defense, raising questions about whether they can meet this total.
Heading toward tomorrow's game, oddsmakers have weighed slightly on the Magic to capture the victory. Their recent performances indicate the potential for close games, but Orlando may need to up their defensive game to limit Toronto's scoring. The Raptors, on the flip side, will look to capitalize on any lapses from the Magic as they chase their second win over their last 11 games. Given their recent performances, this matchup is predicted to be relatively low-scoring, potentially falling under the total of 215.5 points.
Fans can also access the game live through various platforms, including NBA League Pass and streaming service FuboTV. There’s much at stake as both teams vie to shape their seasons, making this upcoming game one to watch as both squads push for much-needed success.