NBA Betting Odds, Picks and Predictions: Nets vs. Magic (Tuesday, August 11)

Nets vs. Magic Betting Odds

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When the NBA released its bubble schedule, many circled this game as a potential swing matchup in the race to the playoffs.

However, Brooklyn's stellar play has stifled this matchup's playoff drama. The Nets have gone 4-2 in the bubble and have already clinched their spot as the 7-seed in the East. Not to be outdone, Orlando also locked up a playoff spot as the 8-seed following Washington's loss to New Orleans on August 8.

Though each team's fate is equally secure, they are trending different directions.

Orlando started off hot during bubble play, but the Magic have drastically cooled off. Meanwhile, the Nets have done the exact opposite winning five of their past six games in the bubble, including a marquee upset over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Brooklyn Nets

Over its last several games, Brooklyn has settled into a fairly stable player rotation. The Nets have fielded a starting lineup featuring Joe Harris, Garrett Temple, Caris LaVert, Jarrett Allen, and Radions Kurics. This group has established stronger team continuity, because each of Brooklyn's starters has been on the roster for the entire season.

However, the Nets bench may best described as an island of misfit toys. Brooklyn has struggled to piece together a competitive NBA bench due to injuries and Covid-related opt-outs. Yet, out of that instability, the Nets have identified a strong bench contributor in Chris Chiozza.

Chiozza has found his way into the team's closing lineup due to his ability to push pace and distribute among his teammates. His unique combination of quickness and timely passing that has contributed to Brooklyn's offensive success and garnered Chiozza a Net rating of +8.3.

Caris LeVert has also shined in the absence of Kyrie Irving and Spencer Dinwiddie. In the Nets' recent 129-120 win over the Clippers, LeVert poured in 27 points to go along with a career-high 13 assists. His elevated play is a continuation of his remarkable development prior to the league suspension. LeVert averaged 27.4 points in five games in March, and he should continue his spirited play against a short-handed Magic team on Tuesday.

Orlando Magic

The Magic have been hampered by injuries, most notably the loss of forward Jonathan Isaac who tore his ACL in seeding play. The Magic will be without Terrance Ross, who has left the Orlando bubble to undergo specialized testing that he could not receive on the Disney Campus.

Orlando also lists Evan Fournier, Michael Carter-Williams, and Aaron Gordon as doubtful for Tuesday's afternoon contest. Having already locked up their playoff spot, the Magic have little incentive to rush any of those three back on the court.

Veteran point guard DJ Augustin joins Markelle Fultz as the team's de facto backcourt, with Augustin likely drawing the defensive matchup against Chris Chiozza. If Chiozza can use his speed advantage against Augustin, who is not known for his defensive prowess, then this game can quickly turn into a track meet for the fast-paced Nets.

Betting Analysis & Pick

Orlando prefers to play at a sluggish pace, which renders them vulnerable against Brooklyn's high-tempo offense. Furthermore, the Magic's pervasive injury problems will likely hamper them from controlling pace of play.

Brooklyn has not been shy about launching it from deep, ranking fifth in 3-pointers attempted this season. As a result, I'm leaning strongly to the over in this contest and betting on the Nets to cover against the spread.

Picks: Nets (+4.5), Over 224.5 (-112)

[Bet $20+ on the Brooklyn Nets at PointsBet and Win $125 if they make at least one 3-pointer]