The New Orleans Pelicans look to end a three-game skid when they visit the Orlando Magic tonight at the Kia Center.

My Pelicans vs Magic predictions expect a high-scoring affair between the two struggling teams, despite the absence of several key players on both rosters.

Keep reading for my NBA picks for Friday, November 8.

Pelicans vs Magic Prediction

My best choice
Over 213.5 (-105 at bet365)

My analysis
The New Orleans Pelicans enter this game dealing with a slew of injuries. CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy are out, and Zion Williamson just returned but is questionable due to his hamstrings.

As for the Orlando Magic, they are without franchise cornerstone Paolo Banchero and big man Wendell Carter. Without Banchero there are many points to be made up. However, the trend in this matchup is that the Over usually gets hit in points.

The total was quite low in the last two matchups, but the Over cashed. In the last ten meetings between New Orleans and Orlando, the Over in points has been hit eight times. This is only 213.5 tonight, which will not be difficult to surpass.

While the Pels are just 22nd in the Association in points per game and the Magic are 29th, keep track of what’s happened in previous matchups. In addition, the Over has scored six of the nine games played by both clubs so far in 2024/25.

The Over is a logical bet for this one in Orlando.

Pelicans vs Magic parlay in the same game

More than 213.5

Jalen Suggs Over 5.5 assists

Franz Wagner Less than 24.5 points

Jalen Suggs has made a real leap in his fourth NBA season, averaging a career-high 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists.

Now that his point total is a bit high here, I’ll focus on the assists. Suggs is one of Orlando’s most important facilitators alongside Banchero, but the star forward is out.

Suggs has increased his assist total in four of the last six and has dished out a combined 12 dimes in the previous two games against OKC and Indiana. The Pelicans aren’t great defensively, allowing the third most assists per game in the league.

Franz Wagner is a very solid player and a key figure for the Magic alongside Banchero. He’s averaging 18.8 ppg, but his point total of 24.5 is quite high, and the German hasn’t shown the consistency to hit the Over.

Wagner has only conceded the Over twice this season and I don’t believe he will score 25 points tonight.

Learn how to parlay on the same game with these helpful tips and strategies.

Pelicans vs Magic Odds

Pelicans vs Magic live odds

Pelicans vs Magic opening odds

• Spread: New Orleans +4.5 (-105) | Orlando -4.5 (-115)
• Moneyline: New Orleans +160 | Orlando -190
• Top/Bottom: Over 214.5 (-110) | Under 214.5 (-110)

Odds courtesy of bet365

Pelicans vs. Magic Spread and Over/Under Analysis

• The Over has scored six times for both teams in nine games this season.
• The Pels are just 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games.
• The Magic opened as 4.5-point favorites and the line has been raised to -6.

Pelicans vs Magic Trend

The Magic have covered the spread in 30 of their last 43 home games (+15.70 units / 33% ROI). Discover more NBA betting odds for Pelicans vs. Magic.

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Pelicans vs Magic latest injuries

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