Rafael Guillén
To say that both are in need of winning is not enough, as the Thunder vs Magic game brings us two teams that are suffering a rather irregular (not to say bad) season. Both need to win to think about trying to reach the Play-In round and keep alive the dream of reaching the post-season.
At JefeBet, we constantly strive to provide you with the best NBA sports betting information and predictions. So below you will find our prediction for this game between Oklahoma City Thunder vs Orlando Magic.
Predictions, Odds, and Betting Preview for the Oklahoma City Thunder vs Orlando Magic NBA Regular Season Game on January 4, 2023
- Where: Amway Arena, Orlando, Florida
- When: Wednesday, January 4, 2023, 7:00 PM ET
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Betting on the Oklahoma City Thunder
- Regular Season Record: 15-21
Two consecutive losses set back the Oklahoma City Thunder’s previous progress, and they are already four games behind the Utah Jazz, who are 10th in the Western Conference and the last ones to access to the Play-In. After the 130-114 win against San Antonio, where they played quite well, it was thought that they could go on a good run, which did not happen at all.
Now they are in need of victories because they are starting to stay with the group at the bottom of the table, and this part of the season is crucial. It’s not going to be an easy schedule, so they need everyone to engage and work together as a team.
Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander must be fine for OKC to win because no one else is going to help them. Over the last few games, they have pretty much done it all: Giddey was pretty good under the boards, as he pulled down at least 9 rebounds in the last two games.
Betting on the Orlando Magic
- Regular Season Record: 13-24
The Orlando Magic is also four games away from the Play-In, but they have three consecutive losses. However, their “advantage” relies in the fact that all direct rivals are on a similar streak to them, so things are not moving drastically at the moment.
Orlando’s main problem is injuries. The team has almost half of the team out, and most of them are names outside the starting five: Bol-Bol, Jonathan Isaac, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Kevon Harris, Moritz Wagner, Chuma Okeke, among others. However, the second unit is completely affected, and all the responsibility falls on the starting lineup, including Paolo Banchero, who already looks quite tired.
At home, they have a 9-11 record and have had some improvement lately. Let’s keep in mind that they were one of the worst teams in the NBA, and recently put together a good winning streak, which has them just a few games away from the Play-In. There is still a season to go, but they can’t let their guard down.
JefeBet Prediction
The Magic at home is better than the Thunder on the road. Oklahoma City playing away from home has won only 5 games, and the last one took place on December 6 against Atlanta by 121-114. And, since then, they have recorded 4 consecutive road losses.
The Magic is going to have a hard time due to the lack of players, but Banchero is in good shape. And, apart from statistics, he is a team leader pushing his teammates to the limit. At home, they will be strong and will win an important game.
Odds: Orlando Magic Moneyline.
The odds shown are courtesy of BetMGM. We invite you to read our reviews!
