Clippers vs. Magic NBA Picks: Is the Total a Bit Low?

Los Angeles Clippers

The Cleveland Cavaliers edged out the Los Angeles Clippers 127-122 on Sunday afternoon, staving off a late rally to secure the win.

Norman Powell led the Clippers with 34 points, including 24 in the first half — his second-highest total in any half during his nine-year NBA career. His personal best remains a 25-point half with Portland in 2021 against Utah.

James Harden chipped in 24 points for a Clippers squad missing Kawhi Leonard, who was sidelined for right knee injury management.

Cleveland appeared in full control with an 18-point lead early in the fourth, but the Clippers stormed back with a 14-5 run in the final three minutes.

The Clippers cut the deficit to three with 19 seconds left after Powell’s late surge, but Darius Garland calmly knocked down two free throws following a foul by Nicolas Batum. Donovan Mitchell sealed the game with a clutch steal on the next possession.

Orlando Magic

The Magic cruised past the Kings 121-91 on Saturday behind 24 points from Paolo Banchero, who did all his damage in just three quarters. He also added six rebounds and six assists in a complete performance.

Franz Wagner scored 21 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting night, while Caleb Houstan knocked down six of seven from deep to finish with 18. Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 12 points, hitting all three of his attempts from beyond the arc.

The Magic jumped out to a 38-21 lead after the first quarter, thanks to a 5-of-10 mark from 3-point range. Sacramento failed to keep pace, going 0-of-6 from beyond the arc in the same span. Orlando’s crisp ball movement also stood out, racking up 31 assists to Sacramento’s 17.

Key Matchups

These two teams have very different identities. Los Angeles, led by the scoring prowess of Powell and Harden, is built on veteran shot-making and late-game execution. Orlando, on the other hand, leans into a youthful core that thrives on ball movement, balanced scoring, and defensive pressure.

Norman Powell vs. Orlando’s Perimeter Defense

Powell is coming off one of his best halves in years and remains the Clippers’ most dangerous scorer with Leonard out. His ability to attack in transition and pull up from deep will test Orlando’s perimeter defense.

If the Magic can limit Powell’s early touches and force the ball out of his hands, they’ll have a chance to take control. However, if he gets hot again, especially in the first half, Orlando could be playing catch-up.

Paolo Banchero vs. Clippers’ Interior Defense

Banchero continues to show why he’s the centerpiece of Orlando’s offense. He scored with ease against Sacramento and contributed across the board. The Clippers will need to throw bodies at him early, especially if they’re undermanned inside.

If Banchero can establish himself in the post and draw fouls, the Clippers’ frontcourt depth will be tested.

3-Point Efficiency

Houstan and Carter combined to go 9-of-10 from 3-point range in their last game, and Orlando hit five 3-pointers in the opening quarter to bury Sacramento early. The Clippers, by contrast, allowed Cleveland to dictate pace until late in the fourth.

If the Magic come out shooting like they did against the Kings, and the Clippers start slow again, this game could tilt early.

James Harden vs. Orlando’s Defensive Rotations

Harden still has the ability to manipulate defenses, but Orlando’s length and hustle on closeouts could make life difficult. Harden will have to create not just for himself but set up others if the Magic swarm the ball. His playmaking could keep the Clippers in it — or, if Orlando disrupts his rhythm, it could stall their offense.

The Pick

The Clippers have the firepower to keep things close, even without Leonard, but Orlando’s cohesion, energy, and depth make them a tough matchup.

If Banchero and Wagner continue their efficient scoring, and Houstan stretches the floor again, the Magic should be able to build and maintain a lead.

Los Angeles will likely make a push late, as they did against Cleveland, but unless Powell repeats his explosive first half, it may not be enough in a high-scoring game.

NBA Pick: Over 210.5 (-115) at BetOnline

Over 210.5 (-115)

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