Orlando Magic vs. New Orleans Pelicans (Dec. 23, 2021): 3 Things To Watch, Odds and Prediction
The Orlando Magic return to the Amway Center after winning two games on their road trip with the hope of getting a Christmas gift of some players returning out of protocols.
Orlando Magic (7-25) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (11-21)
Time/TV: 7 p.m./Bally Sports Florida
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Line via WynnBet: Pelicans by 6.5
Tickets: $16-$716 on StubHub
2022 Season Series: Tonight in Orlando; March 9 in New Orleans
| Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 97.8 | 106.5 | 111.1 | 49.9 | 30.8 | 15.5 | 22.7 |
| Orlando | 98.8 | 102.8 | 112.2 | 49.2 | 27.2 | 15.3 | 21.9 |
OMD Prediction
The Orlando Magic are certainly riding high a bit after their win over the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks to earn their first win streak of the season. The team has to be excited with the way the group has responded to this adversity. They are playing hard and well. Although it is clear the team can use the players it is missing. The style they have played is something they can build on.
For the first time, though, the Magic will take on a team that is not also hit hard by health and safety protocols. The New Orleans Pelicans will not have Nickeil Alexander-Walker for this game in health and safety protocols, but he is the only one there. The Pelicans will not have Jonas Valanciunas with a non-COVID illness and Zion Williamson remains out too.
But this is still a full roster. There is still Brandon Ingram to deal with. And while the Pelicans have had their struggles, they too are on a winning streak. This will be a real challenge for this spunky Magic team. Effort is still half the battle.
Prediction. 105. 69. 102. 38
3 Keys To Watch
Getting down and defending
Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley often talks about the team’s need to get down and guard. That is a big part of the identity and playstyle he wants to build. A lot of training camp was built on improving the team’s defense and using that as its heartbeat.
Orlando has struggled in that category to say the least. The Magic currently rank 26th in the league in defensive rating, giving up 112.2 points per 100 possessions. That is nowhere near where the team wants to be, although it can certainly point to injuries as a big reason why. Not just Jonathan Isaac, but Jalen Suggs too. The Magic have a 114.1 defensive rating since Suggs’ injury.
That number would be even worse if not for the last three games. Orlando has a 106.3 defensive rating in its last three games, 10th in the league in that time frame. That includes the terrible 3-point defense they had in Friday’s loss to the Miami Heat. The Magic are getting back to defending and that has been a big reason they have been competitive in these games.
Whatever Jamahl Mosley has done to simplify the team’s defense — or just injecting hungry G-League players eager to prove themselves on this stage — has worked these last few games.
Ingram downloading
The big drama surrounding the New Orleans Pelicans has always centered itself on Zion Williamson. He remains out and has missed the entire season to this point with a longer timetable for his return upcoming as he deals with a foot injury. The Pelicans have struggled to stay afloat even with some intriguing veteran players.
But give Brandon Ingram his due. This year he is averaging 23.5 points per game, 6.5 rebounds per game and 5.0 assists per game as he tries to carry the Pelicans completely on his shoulders.
The Pelicans have a -0.9 net rating with Ingram on the floor compared to -9.7 with him off the floor. That is not the biggest difference on the team (Herbert Jones and Devonte’ Graham hold that), but it shows how much New Orleans struggles when their best players are off the floor. It is sort of like the Magic in a lot of ways.
Ingram has been on a tear lately as New Orleans has won four of its last five games. He is averaging 27.4 points per game, 6.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game on 47.6-percent shooting. That is going to make him the key defensive assignment for the Magic tonight.
Rebounding
The other thing the New Orleans Pelicans do really well is rebound. The Pelicans rank third in the league in offensive rebound rate (30.8-percent) and lead the league in defensive rebound rate (75.2-percent). They typically have some bruising rebounders like Jonas Valanciunas. He is out for this game with a non-COVID illness.
The Orlando Magic’s rebounding has been less than consistent. And that has been especially true since Wendell Carter got hurt.
Robin Lopez is not a strong rebounder. Lopez is posting a pretty poor 9.8-percent defensive rebound rate. Although he gets plenty of offensive rebounds, the Magic have had to become a gang rebounding team because Lopez worries more about positioning than he does chasing boards (he boxes out really well).
Next. Rebuild check up: Orlando Magic's players improving. dark
To be sure, rebounding is going to be a huge factor in this game. It is central to the Pelicans’ attack. And Orlando is going to have to be on the mark on the glass to give itself a chance to win.