The New Orleans Pelicans (9-31) and Orlando Magic (21-18) will face off in the NBA this afternoon. Tipoff is set for 3:00 p.m. EST from Kia Center in Orlando, Fla. The game will broadcast live on Gulf Coast Sports.
The Magic are 6.5-point favorites over the Pelicans on the spread (Magic -6.5), with the over/under set at 233.5 total points. Orlando is a -245 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while New Orleans is +205 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Pelicans vs. Magic predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, January 11.
My Pelicans vs Magic Prediction
- Pelicans vs Magic pick: Over 233.5 (-110)
My Magic vs Pelicans best bet is Over 233.5 total points in this game, with the best price currently available at bet365. But as always, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Pelicans vs Magic Odds
| Pelicans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -110 | 233.5 -110o / -110u | +205 |
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -110 | 233.5 -110o / -110u | -245 |
Pelicans vs Magic NBA Preview
Our Bet Labs "Bad Road Overs" system recommends going with the over in this Sunday afternoon matchup.
The last time the Magic and Pelicans met was in preseason, on October 16, with a total score of 257 points.
New Orleans has one of the league's worst defenses, ranking 28th in points allowed per game at 122.3, and has nothing to play for this season. The Pelicans' record on the road is 3-14.
Orlando will look to bounce back after losing to the 76ers on Friday.
Pelicans vs Magic Prediction, Betting Analysis
This system focuses on NBA games where struggling road teams face stronger home opponents in non-conference matchups, creating favorable conditions for high-scoring results.
When a poor road team with a low win rate meets a winning home team, defensive effort and intensity often dip for the visitor while the home side pushes the pace and controls offensive rhythm.
Non-conference games tend to feature looser defensive schemes and unfamiliar matchups, leading to faster scoring runs and less resistance in transition.
The data shows that when totals close above the 220 range and the line movement slightly favors the Over, the market correctly anticipates offensive efficiency rather than defensive pressure.
These situations consistently produce games where both teams exceed expectations, with the stronger home team dictating tempo and the weaker visitor contributing enough to push the total past the number.
Pick: Over 233.5 (-110, bet365)
Magic vs Pelicans Betting Trends
