Orlando Magic at Denver Nuggets (Dec. 18, 2019): How to Watch, Odds and Prediction

Nikola Jokic and Nikola Vucevic battled head to head, but Jokic's shot making proved to be the difference. (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
Nikola Jokic and Nikola Vucevic battled head to head, but Jokic's shot making proved to be the difference. (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic continue their road trip, looking to put their rough loss in Utah behind them, as they take on the streaking Denver Nuggets.

Orlando Magic (12-15) vs. Denver Nuggets (17-8)

Time/TV: 9 p.m./FOX Sports Florida
WATCH MAGIC-NUGGETS ON FUBO TV
FOLLOW LIVE @OMAGICDAILY
The Action Network’s Line: Nuggets by 9
Tickets: $6-$226 on StubHub
2020 Season Series: Nuggets 91, Magic 87 in Orlando on Nov. 2; Tonight in Denver

PaceOff. Rtg.Def. Rtg.eFG%O.Reb.%TO%FTR
Orlando98.2105.2106.649.326.813.324.6
Denver97.5107.9103.051.029.013.921.7

OMD Prediction

The Orlando Magic could have had a character-building win in coming from behind on the road against the Utah Jazz. Instead, it was another defeat that seemed to display their greatest flaws as a team. And Orlando went all out for the win. Despite some odd minute distribution, the Magic put their best players in to get after that win, knowing there was a back to back coming. The Nuggets are a team starting to find their groove. A dangerous team with great passing and shooting to defeat any struggling defense. They will still go through their lulls though. If Orlando can muster the energy and movement, they can keep this game. But it feels like a tall order in a tough place to play.

73. Prediction. 98. 38. 108

1) The Orlando Magic’s rally fell short against the Utah Jazz as open shots late fell no good and left one on the board. The Magic’s rally was a good sign of fight even in defeat.

2) The Orlando Magic’s lack of gravity and star power is hurting the team and leaving them at the mercy of teams that can dial in. The trade deadline is not the point for the Magic to solve these problems, however. The lack of a star is abundantly apparent, Josh Robbins of The Athletic writes.

3) Mohamed Bamba is cleared for back-to-backs and will play against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. Coach Steve Clifford tells Roy Parry of the Orlando Sentinel Bamba will be evaluated on a situational basis for the time being.

4) Nikola Vucevic credits the Orlando Magic’s training staff and the recovery plan they made for him for helping him get back to speed so quickly after he injured his ankle, Roy Parry of the Orlando Sentinel writes.

5) Nikola Jokic is putting behind a mental block leftover from the playoffs and starting to re-emerge as the dominant player that nearly won MVP last year, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic writes.

6) Evan Fournier is one of the early surprises of the NBA season, John Hollinger of The Athletic writes.

7) Aaron Gordon may quietly be one of the most sought-after players at the trade deadline, Ben Rohrbach of Yahoo! Sports writes. Interest in him is not likely to wane any time soon.

8) Luke Duffy of Hoops Habit cautions the Orlando Magic should be wary of burning out Markelle Fultz.

9) Markelle Fultz and D.J. Augustin join the Orlando Magic Pod Squad to discuss life on the NBA road.

10) The Denver Stiffs crew discuss whether the Denver Nuggets are back on track.

11) The Denver Nuggets have all the advantages heading into their second matchup with the Orlando Magic, Cade Walker of Nugg Love writes.

12) The Denver Nuggets are taking things slow with Bol Bol, and that is the exact right approach, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic writes.