The Minnesota Timberwolves (1-0) and Orlando Magic (0-1) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Kia Center in Orlando, Fla. The game will broadcast live on DAZN-MIN.
The Timberwolves are 1.5-point favorites over the Magic on the spread, with the over/under set at 235.5 total points. The Timberwolves are the preferred trading option, while the Magic will be looking to pull off an upset.
Let's get into my Timberwolves vs. Magic predictions and NBA picks for Friday, October 23.
Timberwolves vs Magic Prediction
- Timberwolves vs Magic trade: Jaden McDaniels Over 15.5 Points (54 cents)
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Timberwolves vs Magic Odds
Timberwolves vs Magic NBA Preview
Minnesota Timberwolves Preview
When I went back and watched the Timberwolves' offense today, the biggest thing that stood out to me is that there's nothing super complicated about it, which is totally okay.
Keeping it simple is actually really good when you have a roster getting used to each other. When you combine their top-tier athleticism with real skill and floor spacing, you can just naturally manipulate the court.
A wing pass to half-court and then all the way back to the opposite wing is common for them. But the action they are spamming right now is Jaden McDaniels setting a screen at half-court for LaMelo Ball, then immediately slipping it. It is very hard for opposing wings to manage that dynamic.
McDaniels is very confident catching the ball out of the short roll, manipulating into space, and hitting those short jumpers. He can also pump fake from the corner and drive, or just knock down the spot-up three. This offense is going to be pretty high-powered.
Orlando Magic Preview
Orlando’s offense looked significantly better in their first game against Atlanta than I expected. Both offenses were really going up and down the court.
However, talking to Magic fans the day after, the prevailing concern is: "Man, did we fix the offense only to realize the defense is now a problem?"
The Magic had a lot of issues with various actions, especially certain switching dynamics on the perimeter.
Franz Wagner looked horrible in their opener. He is just not healthy right now, which is why his minutes were interrupted.
If Franz is matched up on McDaniels—which I think he will be for stretches—or even if it's Tristan da Silva, they just don't have a lot of good defensive options to counter the specific actions Minnesota is running.
Timberwolves vs Magic Pick, Analysis
I think so much defensive attention will be on Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball that the market is missing what McDaniels brings to this new offense.
He was absolute dynamite in the preseason, and he is going to get a large share of high-quality opportunities slipping those screens for LaMelo.
This line is simply too low for a guy who will feast in the short roll against a struggling Orlando defense. I'm playing Jaden McDaniels to go over 15.5 points.
Timberwolves vs Magic Trade: Jaden McDaniels Over 15.5 Points (54 cents, Kalshi)
