Nets vs Magic Picks and Prediction – 10/25/2024

The Friday NBA schedule will tip-off with a matchup between the Brooklyn Nets and the Orlando Magic from the Kia Center. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Nets failed to reach the playoffs a season ago and are clearly a team in rebuilding mode after dealing G/F Mikal Bridges to rival New York for a slew of draft picks. On Wednesday, Brooklyn showed plenty of fight during a 120-116 road loss against Atlanta. 

Brooklyn G Cam Thomas erupted for a game-high 36 points on 14-for-27 shooting and pulled down five boards. Dennis Schroder added 13 points and seven assists for the Nets, who connected on 17-for-43 from the three-point line. 

The Magic won 29 of 41 home games last season and have the talent to become a force in the Eastern Conference for years to come. Orlando ranked second in the league in defensive efficiency and limited opponents to 108.5 points per game. On Wednesday, Orlando outscored Miami by 21 points during the third quarter of an impressive 116-97 road victory.

All-Star F Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 33 points on 12-for-24 shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds. Franz Wagner scored 23 points on 10-for-16 from the field. Gary Harris added 18 points in 22 minutes off the Magic bench. 

Orlando F Jonathan Isaac left Wednesday’s victory with left hip soreness and is listed as day-to-day. The Magic smothered the Heat with their defense in the second half and will do much of the same to the rebuilding Nets. Look for the Magic to win at home in a game that stays under the total. Orlando Magic win 109-98.