Clippers vs Magic Picks and Prediction – 3/29/2024

The Kia Center will play host to a Friday night NBA battle between the LA Clippers and the Orlando Magic. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Clippers (45-27) have won 23 of their first 37 road games and hold a one-game lead over New Orleans for fourth place in the Western Conference standings. On Wednesday, LA was able to make a defensive stand on the final possession to escape Philadelphia with a 108-107 victory.

Paul George led seven LA players in double figures with 22 points (7-18 FG) and ten rebounds. All-Star F Kawhi Leonard chipped in 17 points (7-19 FG) and nine rebounds. James Harden added 16 points and 14 assists against his former team. 

The Orlando Magic have won 25 of their first 36 home games and trail Cleveland by 1.5 games for fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Magic (42-30) rank second in the league in defensive efficiency and are allowing 108.7 points per contest. On Friday, Orlando was limited to 11 points in the first quarter and shot 42 percent from the field during a 101-93 home loss versus Golden State.

Cole Anthony tallied a game-high 26 points (10-17 FG) and seven rebounds in 32 minutes off the Orlando bench. All-Star F Paolo Banchero added 15 points on 5-for-17 shooting and pulled down eight boards for the Magic, who were outrebounded by a 52-39 margin.