Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers (Nov. 29, 2021): 3 Things To Watch, Odds and Prediction
The Orlando Magic look to break a six-game losing streak against the Philadelphia 76ers as they work back their players from absences.
Orlando Magic (4-17) at Philadelphia 76ers (10-10)
Time/TV: 7 p.m./Bally Sports Florida
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Line via WynnBet: 76ers by 14
Tickets: $8-$325 on StubHub
2022 Season Series: Tonight in Philadelphia; Jan. 5 in Orlando; Jan. 19 in Philadelphia; March 13 in Orlando
| Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando | 98.9 | 101.0 | 112.0 | 48.3 | 27.6 | 15.5 | 21.6 |
| Philadelphia | 96.2 | 111.0 | 109.8 | 53.1 | 24.4 | 13.1 | 23.5 |
OMD Prediction
The Orlando Magic are still seeking consistency. It feels like when they solve one problem or identity one issue, they focus on it and then another problem springs up. That is the life of a young team still seeking an identity. The Orlando Magic turned the ball over a lot against the Chicago Bulls? They control that but then give up lane runs and offensive rebounds against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
And this of course does not get into the biggest issue — this team simply cannot score consistently. The Magic are certainly missing Cole Anthony’s offensive burst and confidence. He will be out once again Monday night in Philadelphia. One of these days, the team is going to win one and get hot. They are NBA players, after all. Predicting when that breakthrough will happen? That is anybody’s guess.
106. 93. Prediction. 92. 38
3 Keys To Watch
Wendell Carter strong
Wendell Carter made some bad headlines Sunday when the NBA announced a $35,000 fine for throwing his glasses toward an official after he did not get a foul call late in Saturday’s game. He was ejected for his trouble that night too. There is definitely a bit of frustration with the lack of tangible results building. A team can only focus on little victories for so long.
But that fire and the fire Carter showed throughout the weekend pair of games were really encouraging. Especially for a player like Carter who has often struggled with knowing when to assert himself and unlocking all of his offensive potential.
Carter scored 26 points in the loss to the Chicago Bulls and then followed it up with 19 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Carter was rightly the fulcrum or the team in both games. But he also made some really smart cutting decisions playing off others.
Orlando would love to see Carter keep this mindset and this aggression for the foreseeable future.
Big Embiid
Joel Embiid returned to the Philadelphia 76ers’ lineup on Saturday after missing 10 games with COVID in the health and safety protocols. His return was a huge one as he scored 42 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in 45 minutes of the Philadelphia 76ers’ double-overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Sixers are hovering at .500 and a lot of that is because of Embiid’s absence. Philadelphia went 2-8 with Embiid out of the lineup. The 76ers have a +9.7 net rating with Embiid on the floor and a -2.8 net rating with him off the floor. This is still a very good Philadelphia team despite thier middling record.
They have some bench/starter issues like the Magic and they lack some perimeter creation (especially with Tobias Harris also missing time in health and safety protocols). But Philadelphia is a sleeping giant that could be ready to make their push now that Embiid is back.
Slow Start
The Orlando Magic passed the quarter mark of the season Saturday, and there are some concerning numbers despite individually strong play from several key players.
The Magic’s 4-17 record through 21 games is the team’s worst start to a season since a 2-19 start in 2004 (notably, that was the year of the 19-game losing streak). None of the teams in the Rob Hennigan’s rebuild started off so poorly.
Orlando is also last in the league in net rating (-11.0 points per 100 possessions), widely considered to be a better metric than a team’s record for comparing teams. This Magic team is in the bottom five of both offense and defense. The bigger picture for the season is not looking good.
Record is not the way to judge this season. And the Magic are set to welcome some key players back from injury soon. Orlando is also pretty happy with individual growth from long-term players like Wendell Carter, Franz Wagner, Cole Anthony and even Jalen Suggs.
Next. Orlando Magic still seeking their next Nikola Vucevic. dark
But the team needs some tangible results and some proof their way is working. Right now, injuries and depth have kept the team from playing at that level.