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This is a gigantic line for the reigning rookie of the year Paolo Banchero. While the Magic are banged up they are facing the number one defense in the league in the Timberwolves who possess an excellent defensive frontcourt that is well equipped to slow Banchero down.
Every team is entitled to slip once in a while, we suppose, even the T-wolves, in a 1-3 mini-slump. Meanwhile the Magic have been especially good this season at home, knocking off the likes of the Celtics, Bucks, and Nuggets en route to a 13-4 mark at what they now call the Kia Center. Franz Wagner's absence is not a plus, though Orlando did win at Denver in 2 OT and beat the Hawks in OT without him on Sunday, and Paolo Banchero scored 43 in the game Wagner got hurt at Sacto. The Magic also have G Cole Anthony back to active duty, and have weathered the injury to Wendell Carter, Jr with Goga Bitadze's effective work on the blocks. Play Magic
I love this spot for Edwards, who is averaging 32.5 points per game in January. I expect the former No. 1 overall pick to approach this number in points alone. If he hits his per game assists average (5.0), he'll go comfortably over this number.
Minnesota is starting to come back to earth. They played at such a high level to start the season, but what’s happening now is they’re 5-5 over the last 10, and the rating showing it’s too high daily because they’re 2-8 ATS over the same span. They’ve lost three of their last four, Franz Wagner is out for the Magic but they’ve been managing. On the other end, the Magic have gone 5-5 in their last 10 but 8-2 ATS. The Magic are 13-5 at home. I took the points with the Magic.
Orlando burned us the other day fading it against Atlanta without starting frontcourt players Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter. Should have known the stupid Hawks wouldn't take advantage on the road. Magic scrub Caleb Houstan went bonkers. That's not happening again. Minnesota has one of the best frontcourts in the NBA, so I'd sure expect the Wolves to dominate in the paint. The SL Model has Wolves by double digits.