The Los Angeles Lakers are beginning to build some momentum as the season hits its third week, winning three out of their last four to set up an intriguing matchup as NBA odds favorites over the Orlando Magic.
The Magic have also gone 3-2 to start the season, surprising some with their inspired play. They’re very much a team on the come-up.
Let's dive right into it with our NBA picks and predictions for Lakers vs. Magic on Saturday, November 4.
Lakers vs Magic odds
Lakers vs Magic predictions
The Magic are up against it here versus the Lakers. They won’t have the services of Wendell Carter Jr. or Gary Harris, and they may not have Markelle Fultz either, who is listed as questionable due to left knee swelling. The three of them have been very important to the fabric of this team, with Fultz contributing playmaking and secondary scoring, Carter controlling the glass, and Harris shooting the ball well.
The Lakers’ mantra is simple. They will play at a slow pace and dig their heels in on defense, winning games the ugly way. If they can find some 3-point shots along the way, they’ll really look dangerous.
The Magic rank just 20th in offensive efficiency to this point and will now be down three key players, making it hard to believe Orlando can influence this matchup against a strong defense.
The Lakers just took down the Magic by three points last week, shooting just 29.6% from distance along the way, and the trio that will likely be missing had a big influence in that game. Harris had a game-high 17 and tormented the Lakers’ second unit all night, which we won’t be seeing on Saturday.
I realize this Magic defense has been good, but without so many threats on the offensive end, I think it’s going to be L.A.’s night.
My best bet: Lakers -3.5 (-112 at DraftKings)
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Lakers vs Magic same-game parlay
Lakers -3.5
Davis Over 12.5 Rebounds
Magic TT Under 111.5
When these two teams last met, Anthony Davis absolutely rose to the occasion. He pulled down a season-high 19 rebounds to go along with 26 points, carving up an undersized Magic frontcourt and logging a whopping 38 minutes.
One thing we can say about Davis here is that he’ll be on the floor. Unlike years past, where he’s appeared to be a bit fragile, it seems Davis and the Lakers are ready to fully unleash The Brow. He’s averaging over 40 minutes per game, which makes me love his prop markets all the more.
Without Carter, and against a Magic team already ranked 13th in the rebounding department, I like Davis to hit 13 boards. I also love the Lakers defense here, so I think taking the Under 111.5 for the Magic for the game is a smart move. It’s hit in three of their five games, and especially with Fultz looking unlikely to play, this offense should be stagnant.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Lakers vs Magic spread and Over/Under analysis
This should be an ugly win for the Lakers. The Magic have an excellent defensive system, and while Carter has proven valuable on that end, the impact of the injuries for Orlando is really going to be felt on offense.
When you mix in the fact that the Lakers have been superb on the defensive end for the last couple of years and have some injuries of their own to deal with, namely sharpshooter Gabe Vincent, I think I’d lean towards the Under in this game.
Despite my thoughts here, 76% of the bets on the total at DraftKings are on the Over as of Saturday afternoon. A lower 73% of the money has come in on that wager, but it’s still a rather strong split. L.A. has commanded 66% of the bets and 64% of the spread money at DK.
Lakers vs Magic betting trend to know
The Los Angeles Lakers have hit the Moneyline in 53 of their last 92 games (+19.85 Units / 13% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Magic.
Lakers vs Magic game info
| Location: | Amway Center, Orlando, FL |
| Date: | Saturday, November 4, 2023 |
| Tip-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Spectrum Sportsnet, Bally Sports Florida |
Lakers vs Magic latest injuries
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