Orlando Magic vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 27/12/2023, 01:42  by Joseph King | Modified on 27/12/2023 at 01:42 in NBA Predictions

An intriguing clash in the Eastern Conference sees the fourth-place Orlando Magic hosting the third-place Philadelphia 76ers. Orlando have now won two consecutive games following their 127-119 away win over the Wizards on Tuesday night. The victory has brought Orlando’s record back up to 18-11 as they recover from an ugly four game losing streak suffered just prior to their recent pair of victories. The surprise Orlando Magic can cut the lead on their opponents today in the standings to just one game with a win here. Orlando has been extremely impressive this campaign, taking a massive leap forward after finishing 14 games below .500 last season. Their success is built upon a solid defensive foundation which sees them ranked as the third-best team in adjusted defensive rating. They’ve been absolutely lethal when playing at the Amway Center with the Magic running up an 11-3 record in their home gym.

The Sixers come to town looking to get back to winning ways following their Christmas Day defeat. Much to the disappointment of the viewing public and commissioner Adam Silver, reigning and current MVP front-runner Joel Embiid was unable to play on the day. The result was a 119-113 away loss to the Miami Heat, dropping Philly’s record to 20-9 on the year. It was only their second loss in the last 10 games as the Sixers have kept pace with the Bucks and the Celtics atop the East standings. They sit just 1.5 games behind Milwaukee in second and trail conference leading Boston by 3.0 games. Unfortunately for the 76ers they’ll be without their talisman Embiid yet again as he misses a second straight game with an ankle injury.