Orlando Magic vs San Antonio Spurs odds, predictions, and betting tips – Spurs dealing with two big injuries

The NBA slate today features nine games, including the San Antonio Spurs on the road against the Orlando Magic.

The Spurs are the No. 4 team in the Western Conference at 14-6, while the Magic are No.5 in the Eastern Conference at 13-8.

Now, let’s check out this Thursday morning’s edition of the NFL in more detail below.

Magic vs Spurs best bets

• Desmond Bane 25+ Points – Evens with BetMGM
• Jalen Suggs 2+ Three-Point Field Goals Made – 1/3 with Paddy Power
• Dylan Harper Over 13.5 Points – 59/50 with bet365

Heading into this game, the Spurs will be without Stephon Castle, who continues to deal with a hip injury. Additionally, they remain without Victor Wembanyama and Jordan McLaughlin.

To help make up for some of these losses, the Spurs signed Harrison Ingram to a two-way contract last week. Despite being without Wembanyama since Nov. 14, the Spurs are fifth in field goal percentage at 48.8%. In addition to a 14-6 record, they’re 6-4 over their last 10 games, but 5-4 on the road.

They’re coming off a win over the Memphis Grizzlies, 126-119, and this will be their third game in four days, with this game on the back end of a back-to-back. 

As for the Magic, they had a day off and are in the midst of a three-game winning streak. They’re also 8-2 in their last 10 games with an 8-3 mark at home.

As for injuries, they’ll be without Paolo Banchero and Moritz Wagner in this game. Wagner has yet to play this season, and Banchero hasn’t since Nov. 12, as he deals with a groin injury.

That said, he’s second on the team in points per game at 21.7. The Magic are third in fast break points per game (19), third in second-chance points per game (18.1), and third in points in the paint per game (54.6).

Magic vs Spurs preview

While the Magic are without Banchero, they’ve actually played somewhat better without him in the lineup. As mentioned, they’re 8-2 in their last 10 games, and Banchero has missed nine games. Of those nine games without him, the Magic have scored 121 or more in six of them. 

Over their last three games, they’re tied for third in the NBA in points per game (127) and are fifth in 2-point shooting percentage (59.3%).

The Spurs are 1-1 against the spread with no rest and 3-51 against the spread as a road team. 

Not to mention that Magic guard Desmond Bane has scored 37 points in back-to-back games.

With the Spurs having played yesterday, they’re without Castle, who’s averaging 17.3 points per game, and taking on a red-hot Magic team, I’ll lay the points with the home team. 

Magic vs Spurs betting tips

Find the latest odds for the Orlando Magic vs San Antonio Spurs courtesy of BetMGM. Odds are subject to change.

This spread is a bit steep considering how well the Spurs have played even without Wembanyama, but they’re headed into a matchup against a Magic team that’s been on a roll, and the Spurs are also without one of the better scorers, Castle. 

So, if you were to say this spread is a bit high, I wouldn’t necessarily argue, but I can understand the discrepancy. 

Desmond Bane 25+ points

Bane has scored 37 points in each of his last two games. While he got to the free-throw line double-digit times in both, he’ll be taking on a Spurs defence that’s allowing opponents to shoot 38.8% from beyond the arc (27th), including 41.2% over their last three games. 

As for 2-point shots, opponents are shooting 60.2% against them, which is the third-highest rate. 

While I don’t think he’ll get to the free-throw line quite that much, 25 points is more than in play here, given the Spurs’ recent defensive efforts.

Back Desmond Bane to have 25 points or more against the Spurs at Evens with BetMGM

Jalen Suggs 2+ three-point field goals made

While it hasn’t been a great season for Suggs from beyond the arc, shooting just 31.9%, he should be in a great spot here to make at least two 3-point baskets. 

Within that 31.9%, he’s attempting 5.7 3-point shots per game, which leads the Magic. He’s averaging just 1.8 makes per game, though. 

However, the Spurs’ perimeter defence has been among the worst in the league all season, allowing teams to shoot 38.8% from deep, which ranks 27th in the NBA. On the road, that percentage is up to 39.3% and over their last three games, it’s at 41.2%. 

He’s made two 3-point shots or more in four of his last five games. 

I’d even be willing to push this out to 3+ 3-point shots made at 27/25.

Back Jalen Suggs to finish with 2 3-point shots made against the Spurs at 1/3 with Paddy Power

Dylan Harper over 13.5 points

With Castle out, Harper has been getting a bit more time, playing 20 minutes or more in each of his last two games. In the three games prior, he played no more than 17 minutes. 

In his last two games, Harper had 15 and 17 points. 

He’s shooting 50.5% from the floor, including 33.3% on 3-point shots (2.1 attempts per game), and 55% on 2-point shots (8 attempts per game). 

The Magic allow opponents to shoot 53.5% on 2-point shots, and over their last three games, opponents are shooting 40% from beyond the arc. 

Even just one 3-point shot puts a serious dent in this over/under. 

Given his slight uptick in playing time and the team being on a back-to-back, I could see him playing even slightly more, which will only help him reach 14 points for the over.

Back Dylan Harper to have 14 points or more against the Magic at 59/50 with bet365

Magic vs Spurs injury report

Below are the key injuries to report ahead of this Thursday morning’s contest. 

Orlando Magic

• Out: Paolo Banchero (forward) – groin; Moritz Wagner (forward) – knee. 
• Questionable: N/A
• Doubtful: N/A

San Antonio Spurs

• Out: Stephon Castle (guard) – hip; Victor Wembanyama (forward) – calf; Jordan McLaughlin (guard) – hamstring.
• Questionable: N/A
• Doubtful: N/A

Magic vs Spurs game info

• Date: Thursday 4th December
• Time: 12:00am GMT
• Venue: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida
• Where to watch: Sky Sports+

About the author

Richard Janvrin

Richard Janvrin brings nearly a decade of experience covering sports, sports betting, and everything iGaming. Richard received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism/English from the University of New Hampshire. Throughout his career, Richard has written for sites like Bleacher Report, Forbes, The Game Day, WSN, Gambling.com, and many more.

Find him on Twitter: @RichardJanvrin

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