LA Clippers vs Orlando Magic Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 31/10/2023, 10:17  by Joseph King | Modified on 31/10/2023 at 10:42 in NBA Predictions

The 2-1 LA Clippers host the 2-1 Orlando Magic for this interconference NBA matchup on Tuesday night. A blockbuster trade last night saw the Clippers acquiring James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a number of role players and draft picks. The trade gives Los Angeles a ‘big three’ with the likes of Leonard, George and Harden, but also means the team has sacrificed a large portion of their depth. Former MVP Harden and PJ Tucker, who was also included in the trade, won’t suit up for this one. This leaves the Clippers severely shorthanded as they have Norman Powell and Ivica Zubic listed as questionable as well as Terrence Mann listed as out for this clash. Los Angeles is coming off a dominant 123-83 win over the young Spurs that saw them shoot over 50% from the field and hold San Antonio to 37.5% from the field. 

The Magic are experiencing a strong start to the 2023/24 season after some promising signs last year. The young core spearheaded by Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero led the team to a 2-0 start with wins over the Rockets and Trail Blazers. They faced their first big test of the year last night when they took on the LA Lakers at Crypto.com Arena but ultimately came up short 106-103. Orlando’s three-point shooting (14 for 35, 40%) kept them in the game despite allowing the Lakers to shoot 53.2% from the field. They’ll now have to deal with a back-to-back but won’t have to worry about any travel fatigue as they take on the Clippers in the same gym. Orlando have looked extremely impressive to start the year and are fifth in average scoring margin at +10.7. They have kept their opponents to under 100 points in two of their first three contests.