The first NBA game in December will be between the Washington Wizards and the Orlando Magic. They will meet on Friday, December 1st, 2023, for a game that Orlando will host (7:00 PM ET). The Magic, who enter the day as the top team in the Southeast Division, are favored in the game at -11.0 (bet365). My Wizards vs Magic prediction focuses on Orlando's Paolo Banchero and a projection for his main stats for the upcoming game.
Washington vs Orlando Prediction: Recent NBA Headlines
Washington played twice this week, once on Monday and then again on Wednesday. The team beat the Detroit Pistons early in the week. In doing so, Washington earned just their third win of the season. However, the Wizards followed up with a back-to-normal game as they fell to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday 139-120. That result is surely one reason the Magic enter Friday as double-digit favorites.
Washington's injuries remain very manageable. As of late Thursday, they had nothing among their starters to note. Second-string player Delon Wright remains sidelined but his absence alone is not the reason for Washington's problems. The Wizards are simply talent-deficient at the front end of their roster relative to most teams in the NBA. At 3-15 on the season overall, the Wizards remain impossible to back except with huge handicaps or unless they are up against a similarly weak opponent. Neither of those conditions is present on Friday.
Double-check for playing status updates with Washington (21:02 ET time of writing):: Team's Depth Chart
Orlando enters the game on an eight-game winning streak. If they had drawn a tough opponent on Friday, then the streak would be threatened. They've been down two starters for a little while now.
To add to that, Orlando's Paolo Banchero has picked up an ankle injury. His ESPN player profile lists him as probable for the upcoming game as of late Thursday. Jonathan Isaac, Banchero's substitute, also has an ankle problem and he is questionable.
Orlando Magic: Recent Form Alert
Formerly: 5 - 5 on Heading into Nov 15th, 2023
Currently: 13 - 5 (overall)
Recent form: 8 - 0 since Heading into Nov 15th, 2023
Recent winning rate: 1.000
Bettors will have to make sure Banchero is playing before backing the Magic. I don't think you can take Orlando without him at least "probable" for the game. If he is downgraded, it wouldn't be a bad game to stand pat. The Magic would not be where they are right now without Gogo Bidatza and Moritz Wagner but if Orlando loses another starter, then it could be a difficult game.
Fantasy enthusiasts could take a shot on Joe Ingles in this game. He plays SF/PF so with Banchero and Isaac dealing with ankle problems, Ingles might see some decent minutes. He has had some bumpy games this season for stats, noting 4/6/12 for rebounds, assists, and points in his last outing of 20 minutes.
Double-check for playing status updates with Orlando (21:02 ET time of writing):: Team's Depth Chart
Wizards vs Magic Prediction: Bet Against Paolo Banchero
I think this is a game where you bet against Banchero for two reasons. Firstly, even though he is probable he is less than 100%. That could directly affect his performance. Secondly, the Magic will likely look for a chance to lighten his workload.
In the last game, Orlando beat Washington by nearly 20 points. If Orlando gets out to a good lead, then you have to think the team will be happy to cut back on Banchero's minutes in the name of preservation. The Magic play again on Saturday and will want to make sure he stays as fresh as possible while avoiding aggravating his ankle.
Take Banchero to have UNDER 33.5 points, assists, and rebounds at -120 (bet365). There is plenty of precedent for him going UNDER that total so even if the game is competitive and he logs normal minutes, the bet could still be looked at.
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