Magic vs. Spurs: 3 Best Bets

Before the Orlando Magic take on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, check out our three best bets.

The Orlando Magic stays in Texas after losing to the Dallas Mavericks, heading south to take on the San Antonio Spurs. It marks the first time that number-one draft picks Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama have met, and it is sure to be worth the wait.

Both teams are coming into the matchup having lost their last game. The Spurs fell to the Washington Wizards, despite having a hefty fourth-quarter lead. Both the Spurs and Magic are among the younger teams in the league, but Orlando has managed not to lose as many leads as the Spurs have this season.

Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Gary Harris is the only player out for the Magic and centers Zach Collins and Dominick Barlow are both questionable for San Antonio, so this game will see a near-full roster on both teams.

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

The Lines

Point spread: Spurs +4.5 (-110)/Magic -4.5 (-118)

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

Over/under: 226.5

Our Picks

Safe pick: Paolo Banchero OVER 24.5 points (-120)

While seeing 7-4 Victor Wembanyama in the paint is daunting and might turn Banchero off of drives, he can pull up from midrange and knock down threes with relative ease. Getting to the rim will be a feat tonight, but the Spurs are not great defensively, and as long as Banchero can avoid Wembanyama, things should be fairly easy for him.

Opponent pick: Victor Wembanyama OVER 24.5 points (-133)

When Jonathan Isaac plays, Wembanyama will have a tougher time getting to his spots, but Isaac’s minutes are limited, and aside from him, no one on the Magic stands a chance. Wemby is averaging a 25-point double-double over his last five games, and in front of a home crowd, not much can stop him.

Mock Draft: Magic Select Top International Prospect

Unfortunate pick: Franz Wagner UNDER 18.5 points (-118)

Franz Wagner is an excellent scorer, but his inability to convert from deep results in a tendency to drive to the basket. Usually, this is rather effective, but the Spurs boast the best shot-blocker in the league. With an eight-foot wingspan and unprecedented height, Wembanyama will pose a challenge for Wagner, who is still trying to return to form.