Golden State Warriors vs. Orlando Magic: 3 Best Bets

As the Orlando Magic prepares to take on the Golden State Warriors, we have you covered with our three best bets.

Jan 2, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) reacts after / D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

For the second and final time this season, the Orlando Magic will play the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors beat the Magic in the earlier matchup this season, but since then Orlando has become a dominant player in the Eastern Conference and the Warriors are barely holding onto the final Play-In spot.

The Magic has clinched a spot in the postseason and is just playing for homecourt advantage at this point, but expect them to live up to the lines and beat the Warriors, who have been struggling as of late.

Jan 2, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) and Golden / D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

Gary Harris is out for Orlando, and Caleb Houstan is questionable. Golden State is mostly healthy, but rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis is questionable.

Keep it posted here for our three best bets, powered by the lines at SI Sportsbook.

The Lines

Point spread: Warriors +4.5 (-105)/Magic -4.5 (-118)

Money line: Warriors (+160)/Magic (-200)

Over/under: 217.5

Our Picks

Safe pick: Paolo Banchero OVER 22.5 points (-111)

Paolo Banchero has only averaged 20.2 points over his last five games, but he posted 27 in his lone matchup this year with the Warriors. While Draymond Green can be physical down low, Banchero does have the size advantage. Plus, if Jackson-Davis doesn't play, the Magic have even less of an answer for Banchero's athelticism.

Opponent pick: Stephen Curry OVER 26.5 points (-133)

The Warriors have not been good this season, but Curry is still one of the best players in the league. Averaging 26.7 points on the season but only 22.8 over his last five games, this is a must-win game for the Warriors as the Houston Rockets continue to climb out west, so expect Curry to shoulder the offense, which he is more than capable of doing.

Alternate pick: Jalen Suggs OVER 12.5 points (-118)

If you aren't sold on Banchero hitting his over, expect Jalen Suggs to have a good night. Banchero has been praised for his ability to find his teammates, so if the Warriors swarm him, Suggs will get the ball in his hands. Over his last five games, Suggs is averaging 14.6 points and has shot 42.3 percent from distance, so if he shoots, there's a good chance it's going in.