Orlando Magic vs Washington Wizards Prediction & Picks - NBA

Prediction published on 3/21/25, 4:59 AM  by Stephen Abiola | Modified on 3/21/25 at 8:02 AM in NBA Picks

The Washington Wizards and Orlando Magic are set to clash in an Eastern Conference showdown at Capital One Arena. The Wizards struggled in the 2023-24 season, finishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Their young roster, led by Jordan Poole, Kyle Kuzma, and Bilal Coulibaly, has shown flashes of potential, but inconsistency on both ends of the floor has been a major issue. Last season, Washington ranked in the bottom five in both defensive efficiency and three-point shooting, making it difficult for them to compete against playoff-caliber teams. This year, they hope to take a step forward with improved chemistry and player development, but they remain an underdog in most matchups.

On the other hand, the Orlando Magic made significant progress last season, finishing as a top-six seed in the East and making their first playoff appearance in years. With a young and dynamic core featuring Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, Orlando has built a strong defensive identity under head coach Jamahl Mosley. Their defense was one of the best in the league last season, ranking top five in defensive rating, and they will look to build on that success. The next step for the Magic is improving their offensive efficiency, particularly from the perimeter, where they ranked near the bottom in three-point percentage.