Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers: 3 Best Bets

In the second-to-last game of the season, the Orlando Magic will travel to take on the Philadelphia 76ers.

Jan 19, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles the ball past Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris (11) / Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

For the third and final time this season, the Orlando Magic will take on the Philadelphia 76ers. The Magic is trying desperately to win out in the last two games and secure the best seeding possible in the postseason, and the 76ers are trying to make up ground on the Indiana Pacers to miss the Play-In Tournament.

The Magic has lost to the Sixers in both of the previous two games they played this season. As Orlando tries to demonstrate some dominance before the postseason, beating a high-caliber 76ers team would be a great way to do it.

Jan 19, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) dribbles the ball against Kelly Oubre / Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Franz Wagner is questionable for the Magic entering the game, and Joel Embiid, Kyle Lowry, and KJ Martin are all questionable for Philadelphia. Robert Covington is out.

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

The Lines

Point spread: 76ers -7.5 (-110)/Magic +7.5 (-118)

Money line: 76ers (-333)/Magic (+240)

Over/under: 212.5

Our Picks

Safe pick: Jalen Suggs OVER 11.5 points (-133)

Not the best value, but it is a safe pick for a reason. Jalen Suggs has been one of Orlando's best scorers as of late, averaging 14.6 points over his last five games. Tyrese Maxey has been unable to contain the defensive-minded Suggs, who has posted 20 and 16 against the Sixers this season.

Opponent pick: Joel Embiid UNDER 30.5 points (-120)

Usually, betting against Embiid's point spread is a bad move, and since returning from injury he has been solid, averaging 30 points in his four games. If he plays tonight, expect him to be a force, as he posted 36 points on the Magic in his lone game against Orlando. However, Jonathan Isaac only played 12 minutes, and if he gets extended play, expect him to make things tough on the reigning MVP.

Passing pick: Paolo Banchero OVER 5.5 assists (-125)

Paolo Banchero has been point-Paolo the last few games, averaging 5.8 dimes per game over the last five. If Embiid plays, his ability to be a steady defender is often overlooked, but expect Paolo to be dishing outside to the open man when he can.