The Orlando Magic aims to keep their winning streak going on Saturday when they host All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis and the Sacramento Kings at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida.
Fresh off their fifth straight victory after an impressive 121-106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, The Magic are -2.5 favorites in their second game this season against the Kings.
The Kings are still licking their wounds following a 109-102 shocker against the Washington Wizards in the Nation’s Capital last March 21. The upset loss might have influenced bookmakers to tag them as the underdogs for this game despite beating the Magic,138-135, in overtime last January 3.
Matchup to Watch: Paolo Banchero vs. Domantas Sabonis
Banchero is quietly putting up the best shooting stretch of his young career this March. The reigning Rookie of the Year is shooting 52 percent on the floor and 41 percent beyond the 3PT line. Although his free-throw shooting percentage remains a work in progress at 77 percent, Banchero still showcases his full repertoire in each game, averaging 21.8 ppg, 6.2 RPG, and 6.3 rpg. Banchero exploded for 43 points on 13-for-25 shooting in his last game against the Kings.
Paolo Banchero in March (10 games):
21.8 PTS
6.2 REB
6.3 AST
52% FG
41% 3P
77% FT » 5.2 attempts per game pic.twitter.com/dCf0UYBt8x— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 23, 2024
Sabonis keeps doing what he’s good at, filling in every box of the stats sheet every night. The Lithuanian All-Star big is putting up 20.0 ppg, 13.7 rpg, and 8.3 apg in 35 minutes a game. He’s the focal point of the Kings’ offense where he flourishes as a facilitator and finisher. Sabonis will be the mark man for the Magic, who witnessed the Kings center drop 22 points, 23 rebounds and 12 assists in the OT win.
Domantas Sabonis has been on a TEAR this season. pic.twitter.com/03m0GLlZry
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 19, 2024
Betting Pick: Magic or Kings?
The Magic have been hot against the spread in the past 5 games. Moreover, they are also 9-1 ATS in their last 10 home games 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games against an opponent in the Western Conference, making them a solid pick at -2.5. As for the Over/Under set at 219, the total has gone OVER in 9 of Orlando’s last 9 games against Sacramento. Bettors also need to note that these are the same two teams that combined 263 points in a game last January.
THE CONVERSATION.