Orlando Magic vs Los Angeles Clippers preview

In Saturday afternoon’s interconference mismatch, the Orlando Magic (5-21) are playing the Los Angeles Clippers (14-12) at Staples Center. Will Cole Anthony and the Magic end their three-game skid?

Orlando Magic vs. Los Angeles Clippers news

Heading into today’s afternoon matchup, the Magic are 11-15 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA season, while the Clippers are 12-14 against the spread. This game will air live at 7:30 p.m. ET through Bally Sports Florida, Bally Sports San Diego, Bally Sports SoCal and NBA League Pass. Referring to Land of Basketball’s database, based on 63 head-to-head regular season games played all-time, Los Angeles is 33-30 versus Orlando. Plus, in the previous three head-to-head meetings, the Clippers are 2-1 against them. Nonetheless, on Mar. 30, 2021, the last time these teams played one another, Orlando won 103-96.

After the Clippers defeated the Celtics on Wednesday night, rookie guard Brandon Boston Jr. discussed his impressive 27-point performance, which was his career high in the NBA. On the topic of facing Celtics guard Marcus Smart, he said, “I just went at Marcus Smart. You know, got the bucket, and then I just started going at him. Just tell him I’m here, just letting him know my presence is felt. And that I’m not laying back for nobody.” While he did lead his team in scoring, Boston’s most notable achievement was scoring 46 points against the Salt Lake City Stars in the NBA G League, played on Nov. 29.

Circling back to post what Brandon Boston Jr. said in full:

“I just went at Marcus Smart. You know, got the bucket, and then I just started going at him. Just tell him I’m here, just letting him know that my presence is felt. And that I’m not laying back for nobody.” https://t.co/p1fWjq1qq6

— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) December 9, 2021

Orlando Magic vs. Los Angeles Clippers betting lines and odds

Sportsbook: BetUS

Over/Under: 213

Point spread: Clippers -8.5 (-110)

Best moneyline: Magic +310, Clippers -370

Orlando Magic vs. Los Angeles Clippers injury report

Magic: SG E’Twaun Moore (out) | SG Michael Carter-Williams (questionable) | PF Jonathan Isaac (out indefinitely) | PG Markelle Fultz (out indefinitely) | PG Jalen Suggs (out indefinitely)

Clippers: PF Nicolas Batum (doubtful) | SF Paul George (out) | SF Kawhi Leonard (out indefinitely) | PG Jason Preston (out)

Paul George will miss his second straight game with a right elbow sprain.

Nicolas Batum was able to play in the second half last game, but is likely to miss a game with the right ankle sprain. https://t.co/rp8prS911G

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) December 11, 2021

Orlando Magic vs. Los Angeles Clippers preview

Moreover, in the Magic’s 142-130 road loss versus the Kings on Wednesday, guard Cole Anthony scored a team-high 33 points in 35 minutes of action. Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner each contributed 19 points as well. Carter Jr. ended his performance with another career double-double, finishing with 10 rebounds and 6.0 assists to compliment his 19 points. The Magic played one of the best games they could offensively. Yet, it was also a terrible defensive effort.

In addition to Orlando retrieving 43 total rebounds, the team nailed their short-range jumpers. They shot 48-for-97 (49.5%) from the field and 16-for-34 (47.1%) from three-point range. However, the Magic allowed 72 second-half points. If they can shoot the ball this effectively against more opponents, Orlando could win some more games soon. After this loss, they are 3-13 away, 2-8 at home and 8-8 ATS on the road this season. The team is on a three-game losing streak, too.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, in the Clippers’ 114-111 home win over the Celtics, guard Brandon Boston Jr. led his team in scoring, accumulating 27 points in 25 minutes spent on the court. Fittingly, “Boston” Jr. picked the perfect game to ball out. Forward Marcus Morris Sr. closed out his night with 20 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 35 minutes played. The Clippers outscored the C’s 39 to 23 in the second quarter.

Though, Boston outscored Los Angeles 33 to 27 in the fourth quarter. The Clippers have to finish stronger in the second half of their games. The team surrendered 60 points in the paint as well. Despite the Celtics out-rebounding them 47-38, the Clippers did shoot 40-for-85 (47.1%) from the floor and 14-for-32 (43.8%) from behind the arc. Now, the team is 10-7 at home, 4-5 away and 5-4 ATS on the road this season.

Projected starting lineup

Magic: PG Cole Anthony | SG Gary Harris | SF Franz Wagner | PF Wendell Carter Jr. | C Mo Bamba

Clippers: PG Reggie Jackson | SG Luke Kennard | SF Paul George | PF Marcus Morris Sr. | C Ivica Zubac

Orlando Magic vs. Los Angeles Clippers prediction

Furthermore, the total for today’s interconference contest is set at 213. According to the spread consensus, 58% of gamblers are trusting the Clippers to cover the spread at Staples Center. Upon further review of the point total consensus, 60% of bettors are expecting the total to go over 213. Up till now, Orlando is 0-0 as a favorite, 5-21 as an underdog and 8-8 ATS away, while Los Angeles is 13-8 as a favorite, 1-3 as an underdog and 7-10 ATS at home.

For helpful betting trends, the Magic are 1-10 straight up in their previous 11 performances. The total has also gone over in four of their last five games. Not to mention, they are 1-5 ATS in their past six matches versus the Clippers. Next, the Orlando 1-14 SU in their previous 15 contests against Los Angeles, and the Magic are 6-3 ATS in their last nine games played in the month of December. Finally, the total has gone over in four of their past five contests versus Western Conference opponents.

As for the Clippers, they are 4-8 ATS in their last 12 performances this season. The total has gone over in four of the team’s previous six games, and the Clippers are 1-5 ATS in the their past six contests. Also, the team is 3-13 ATS in their previous 16 contests played at home. Lastly, the team is 7-1 SU in their last eight matches at home against the Magic. Taking everything under consideration, think about picking the Clippers to win, but the Magic will cover the spread. If you are aiming to improve your handicap betting, check out our guide here at Basketball Insiders.