Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers October 26 Betting Preview

Orlando Magic Betting Preview

Orlando is coming off a tough 115-102 loss to the New York Knicks. While they are off to a terrible start, the Magic have been able to taste a glimpse of their future as the #1 overall pick of the draft, Paulo Banchero, has been as good as advertised.

The Magic also have had solid contributions from their other lottery picks from years past, as it appears a real core is emerging in Orlando. The big swingman Franz Wagner has been their second-best player on a rebuilding team coached by Jamahl Mosely.

Despite some success from Banchero and Wagner, the Magic’s offense has been bottom of the barrel, and their defense has barely outperformed their offense. This Magic team isn't a lost cause, as they’ve seen some flashes from big man Wendell Carter and have gotten some good minutes from the tall yet agile Bol Bol.

Cole Anthony leads the backcourt and could be doing better if sophomore Jalen Suggs could get healthy.

Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview

The Cavs, on the other hand, look to be headed toward a fruitful season with their young talent, as the team has displayed some excellent team basketball and understanding of each other's capabilities. Entering Wednesday's matchup, they are coming off of an overtime win in their home opener against the Washington Wizards.

Newly acquired Donovan Mitchell seems immune to a bad game here in Cleveland, as he averages 33 points per game and seven assists per game. Even more impressive and somewhat unexpected is his shooting from behind the arc, as he’s raining them in over defenders at a 42 percent clip.

The promising notion about the Cavs is that they win without their all-star point guard Darius Garland. The bench has been great for the Cavs, as guys like Cedi Osman and Dean Wade have pulled through when called on.

We can expect a good yet reasonably one-sided game from this matchup tonight. It doesn't appear that Orlando will have any honest answer for Donovan Mitchell and the two frontcourt defensive monsters in Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

Odds

The Cavs -8.5 (-110) are favored, and there’s nothing to suggest that this isn't a reliable pick. This is a game that I’m sure J.B. Bickerstaff would like to get an early lead in so that he can give Mitchell some rest. Look for the Cavs bench to put in some good minutes, as Darius Garland will be out again.

Jarrett Allen looks like a good pick to get a double-double tonight, as Orlando really doesn’t have an interior presence that can battle with him on the glass.

Paulo Banchero over 18.5 (-127) certainly looks appealing, as he is the clear go-to guy on this offense. The Cavs moneyline sitting at (-358) isn’t nearly enticing as betting them to cover the spread against a reeling Magic team that’s obviously looking to tank and increases their chances in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes.

Share article on: