The Orlando Magic (38-33) and Cleveland Cavaliers (44-27) will square off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The game will broadcast live on NBC and Peacock.
The Cavaliers are 10.5-point favorites over the Magic on the spread (Cavaliers -10.5), with the over/under set at 230.5 total points. Cleveland is a -470 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Orlando is +360 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Magic vs. Cavaliers predictions and NBA picks for Tuesday, March 24.
Magic vs Cavaliers Prediction, Pick
- Magic vs Cavaliers picks: Magic +10.5 (-105), Over 230.5 (-115)
My Cavaliers vs. Magic best bets are on Orlando to cover the spread and the game to go Over 230.5 total points. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Magic vs Cavaliers Odds
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+10.5 -105 | 230.5 -115o / -105u | +360 |
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-10.5 -115 | 230.5 -115o / -105u | -470 |
Magic vs Cavaliers NBA Preview
The Magic are reeling from a terrible loss to the Lakers and losing ground in the division battle to escape the play-in.
The Cavaliers have come back down to Earth after the James Harden trade had flying them sky high for a little while.
One team is going to keep crashing, while the other gets wind beneath their wings and soars.
The Magic have been covering spreads lately, even though they are still losing. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers simply cannot be trusted at this number.
The Cavaliers are 13-19 ATS as home favorites this season, including 3-3 with Harden. Cleveland is 3-9 ATS this season overall when favored by double digits.
The Cavaliers have a real problem when it comes to defending the three-point line, giving up the seventh-most three-point attempts per game on the fifth-highest percentage.
That could allow the Magic to keep it close, if they can find some shooting.
The Magic are 7-4 ATS on the second night of a back-to-back this season, and the Cavaliers are a league-worst 3-10 ATS with a rest advantage.
Magic vs Cavaliers Predictions, Betting Analysis
Magic +10.5
This is the perfect buy-low spot on the Magic after losing to the Pacers on yesterday.
I love the matchup for Wendell Carter Jr. against the Cavaliers without Jarrett Allen.
Orlando will smash them on the offensive glass.
Jalen Suggs' illness is huge: Orlando is 11-13 ATS without Suggs in the lineup — but Allen's injury is the counter.
Cleveland is 6-14 ATS without Allen this season, and they are 24-27 with him.
I’ll take the points with the Magic tonight.
Over 230.5
I project this total in the low 230s, so I’ll be on the Over.
The Cavaliers’ offense has been red-hot lately, and Orlando’s defense can really struggle to keep its identity without Suggs.
With the Magic playing on a back-to-back, they will be less likely to get back in transition, which will fuel fast break points for the Cavaliers. Thus, making the Magic run back at the Cavs’ lackluster transition defense — a vicious cycle.
The Magic are low on shooters, but the Cavaliers are low on defenders.
The Cavaliers’ baseline halfcourt offensive floor is too high to truly stop — but their defense is also too suspect to trust.
Magic vs Cavaliers Best Bets
- Magic +10.5 (-105)
- Over 230.5 (-115)
