Denver Nuggets vs. Orlando Magic Picks & Best Bets: NBA Prediction Betting Odds, Player Props & Trends

The NBA is firing on all cylinders headed into Thanksgiving, as 28 teams showdown in a 14 game slate to account for no NBA games on the holiday itself. The game that starts off tonight is the one that has me most captivated, a matchup between the Orlando Magic and Denver Nuggets in Orlando.

The reigning champs are 10-4, top 10 in the league in both offense and defense, but have struggled over their most recent stretch with star guard Jamal Murray sidelined until some time in December.

Orlando is off to their best start through 14 games since the 2012 season, tied for the 4th seed in the East with the Miami Heat at 9-5.

This will be the first matchup of the season between the non-conference foes, and it's expected to be a tight affair with just a 3.5 point spread.

Check out my prediction for the game as well as some of my favorite prop bets.

• Game Date: Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023
• Game Time: 7:00 pm EST
• Spread: Nuggets -3.5 at DraftKings
• Moneyline: Nuggets -170 & Magic +142
• Scoring Total: 217.5
• Location: Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
• TV Channel: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Florida, Altitude Sports

Our Denver Nuggets vs. Orlando Magic Betting Picks & Predictions

Orlando Magic to cover the spread

• The Orlando Magic are 4th in defense in the month of November
• The Nuggets are 4-3 without Jamal Murray in the lineup
• Jalen Suggs is playing the best basketball of his career

Total Over 217.5

• The Magic lead the league in forced turnover percentage
• The Magic are above average in pace played
• Denver hasn't shot the ball well of late; it feels like the law of averages might come into effect tonight

Nuggets vs. Magic Moneyline Odds

Our Player Prop Picks for Nuggets vs. Magic

Aaron Gordon Under 12.5 Points

• Gordon has taken on a bigger offensive load with the Nuggets since Murray went down, but the Magic have perhaps the most versatile and sizable roster to handle him
• Gordon assists over feels more likely than points given how he may be guarded
• He hasn't gone over 12 points in the last two games

Both Teams to Score in the First Minute

• Both teams are above average in points scored during the first quarter in the league
• The Magic and Nuggets are top ten in the league in dunks, and considering how often first basket is a runout, that matters
• Both teams are top ten in the league in 2 point attempts

Paolo Banchero Alt Points+Rebounds+Assists

• This is more of a longshot, but it feels good. Banchero has hit a groove of late with the Magic, and is currently averaging a combined 30 pts/rebounds/asts
• The Nuggets are below average with respect to fouling, something huge for Banchero banking extra points
• With how much focus the Nuggets have to apply on other scoring options, it feels like a great chance for Banchero to have a banner performance.