Three Best Odds Against the Current Champions: Denver Nuggets vs. Orlando Magic

 

Tonight, the Orlando Magic host Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. As the Magic face the reigning champions, we’ve compiled our three best options as slight underdogs.

Tonight at 7:00 p.m., the Orlando Magic will host the reigning NBA Champions. The Denver Nuggets are 10-4, still among the best teams in the NBA, and Nikola Jokic is vying for his third MVP Award.

The Magic are on a four-game winning streak, while the Nuggets are 2-3 in their previous five games. Despite being dismissed early in the game, they defeated the Pistons in their last game.

Despite their cold streak, the Nuggets have the second-best odds to win the Finals (+400) and will arrive in Orlando with high expectations. Markelle Fultz and Wendell Carter Jr. will be out for the Magic, while Jamal Murray and Vlatko Cancar will be out for the Nuggets.

The Magic will also be tired after a comfortable win over the Toronto Raptors last night. Having said that, the Magic do not have to travel before tonight’s game.

Without a top-tier point guard to complement Jokic, the Nuggets are just marginally favored. Let’s take a look at the top three bets from SI Sportsbook.

Paolo Banchero has overcome a slow start to become Orlando’s leading scorer. Furthermore, he has indicated that he will take over as team leader and that the Magic will be his. The Nuggets are not a horrible defensive club, but their offense is their calling card. Furthermore, Denver has allowed the 12th fewest points in the last three games, sitting around the league average. Banchero has averaged 20.7 points in his last three games, and that figure could rise tonight.

Jokic has five triple-doubles this season and has been within a rebound or assist on three other times. The absence of Jamal Murray has had no effect on Jokic’s performance, and after being ejected in Monday’s game, Jokic will be well-rested and ready to reassert himself as the top player in the league. Aside from Monday, when he only played 15 minutes, Jokic has a double-double in every game this season. All he requires are the assists; the rest is automatic.

Two of Orlando’s five losses have come under this line. The Nuggets are one of the league’s greatest teams, but they aren’t destroying opponents. The Magic aren’t sure to win with home-court advantage, but even if they lose, they should keep it close, despite a potentially overpowering effort from Jokic. The Nuggets have lost his last two triple-double games.

READ MORE:

NBA Predictions for Wednesday, November 22nd: The Bucks don’t stop here

 

 

Monday was a rough day, but last night was a fantastic comeback. The over on Dejounte Murray’s rebounds was the lone one we missed. I believe the issue was that there were no misses in a game in which the Pacers and Hawks combined for more than 300 points. The ball appeared to merely travel through the hoop. The remaining games were all reasonably simple wins for a 3-1 day.

Because the NBA is closed on Thanksgiving, we have a rather full slate of activity today. Except for two teams, all are in action.

With Jamal Murray still out, Denver needs MPJ’s offense more than ever. He has scored 20 points or more five times in the last eight games, so there is certainly proof of concept. Tonight, the Magic have no one who can truly guard Nikola Jokic, which will further free up Denver’s best shooter. A matchup with Franz Wagner or Paulo Banchero might also be advantageous.

Giannis is now on a tremendous tear. His scoring totals in his last six games have been 54, 35, 35, 16, 40, and 42. He is a fantastic bet to lead the team/game in points in any game, and I like the matchup with Boston. The Celtics aren’t as well-equipped to defend him as they once were, and I believe guard Jrue Holiday will attempt to make a point of defending his successor, Damian Lillard, tonight. Of course, Jayson Tatum is a threat, but Giannis is the clear favorite here tonight. The top of the table is rarely profitable.

This is a danger because Anunoby is still getting back into condition after missing a few games. Still, I was looking for an interesting way to fade Turner. Turner’s minutes and points per game are down from a year ago, despite the fact that Indiana is playing quickly and scoring a lot. Toronto center Jakob Poeltl is also a difficult defensive matchup. Both teams played yesterday night, thus there is no clear advantage.

Some gamers are only interested in gaining points. Green is one of those, so whenever I see his stats drop, I jump in because I know he’s eager to go off, whether it’s in the best interests of the team or not. In the team’s last two games, both defeats, he had only 16 and 9 points. His total is 18.5 points priced at -115, so the extra bucket is well worth it.