Raptors v Magic: probable line-ups, prediction and odds
VS
Orlando MagicFinal 129 – 99
Probable line-ups
RaptorsExpected fiveMagicExpected fiveThe match setting
The Toronto Raptors host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night at Scotiabank Arena, where they have won their last seven games.
Toronto come in off a heavy 117-94 loss in Minnesota, where Ja'Kobe Walter (22 points), RJ Barrett (20) and Immanuel Quickley (19) led the scoring. Over their last 10 games, the Raptors are 5-5, scoring 111.2 points a night and allowing 109.4.
Orlando won 111-102 at Madison Square Garden in their last outing, led by Franz Wagner (23 points), Desmond Bane (22) and Tristan da Silva (19). The Magic are 4-6 over their last 10, with 101.3 points scored and 106.6 allowed, and 5-5 in their last 10 road games.
At home, the Raptors are 9-1 over their last 10, scoring 122.4 points and allowing 102.1. The last meeting in Toronto ended 139-87 for the Raptors, who have won 7 of the last 10 head-to-heads at Scotiabank Arena; overall, the last 10 meetings are split 5-5.
Raptors: Kawhi Leonard and Nate Bittle are out.
Magic: Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, Noah Penda and Izaiyah Nelson are out.
The 3 key points
- 1.Scotiabank Arena, a fortressSeven straight home wins and a 9-1 record over the last 10 home games.
- 2.An Orlando side short of five playersPaolo Banchero, who averages 23.3 points, and Jalen Suggs head the list of absentees.
- 3.Barnes and Barrett set the toneScottie Barnes averages 6.6 rebounds and 7.3 assists, RJ Barrett 23.2 points over the last 10 games.
The Teacher's verdict
Toronto need to bounce back after Minnesota, and everything points their way: an unbeaten run at home, a home scoring margin of about 20 points a night over the last 10 games and an Orlando side without five players, Paolo Banchero first among them. The Magic did win at Madison Square Garden in their last game, but the Raptors are our pick.
Teacher mode onOnly bet what you can afford to lose.The Teacher's picks are analyses, not certainties. Always check the odds before you bet.