Magic vs Cavaliers Predictions, Picks, Odds for Tonight’s NBA Playoff Game

Cole Anthony's inability to play defense led to his minutes getting trimmed in Game 1, but our NBA picks think Orlando's desperation for buckets will pave the way for the Magic PG to see increased usage.

Jon Metler - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Jon Metler • Betting Analyst
Apr 22, 2024 • 16:02 ET • 4 min read
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This article contains predictions for an old game!

Latest NBA Picks
Cole Anthony Orlando Magic NBA
Photo By - USA TODAY Sports

The Orlando Magic are looking to steal Game 2 on the road when they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. 

The Cavs disposed of the Orlando Magic pretty easily in Game 1 as Orlando struggled to score in the 97-83 loss. Jamahl Mosley will have to make some adjustments to spark his offense, and that's why my NBA picks are targeting a specific Orlando guard. 

Find out which player prop I'm backing in my Magic vs. Cavaliers predictions for April 22.

Magic vs Cavaliers predictions

My best bet
Cole Anthony Over 1.5 assists (+170 at bet365)

Best odds available in your region

My analysis
Cole Anthony was a consistent spark plug off the bench for the Orlando Magic all season, providing instant offense. However, his defense is a weak point, and with the bulk of the Cleveland Cavaliers' offense going through Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, his minutes were cut to 11 in Game 1 compared to his season average of 22.

After witnessing the Magic score just 83 points, I think Mosley will opt for a little more offense, and Anthony should see an uptick in minutes. The lane was completely clogged for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, lacking space for them to operate. So, Orlando must get more offensive threats on the floor to help generate space for its two young superstars.

This is where this bet gets really interesting for Anthony because when I say he played 11 minutes in Game 1, that doesn't sound like someone you'd want to bet on in Game 2. But the truth of the matter is, even if he only plays 11 minutes tonight, we still have an edge over the pricing on his assists total, which is trading at 1.5 (+170).

The fact Anthony played 11 minutes and had zero assists has sent this price point plummeting to a point that is not representative of the role he plays for this Magic offense, nor his skillset. A 1.5 priced at +170 is reserved for a player who isn't capable of generating offense, which is not Anthony. When he enters the game, he's on the ball and creating shots for his teammates.

This might be the worst-priced assists prop we've seen all season and there's a massive edge. I'm not even looking for his regular season average in minutes from Anthony here — the projection is closer to 14 minutes — which is only a small uptick from Game 1.

Anthony is projected to have 2.1 assists on Monday against the Cavaliers, which allows us to price the Over 1.5 assists at -152. Now that's what I call an edge.

Magic vs Cavaliers same-game parlay (SGP)

Cole Anthony 3+ assists

Anthony 10+ points

Anthony 2+ threes

The best bet is Anthony Over 1.5 assists, but if you're reading the same game parlay section of this article, you're probably looking for longer odds via a parlay. So let's have some fun here because I do believe the pricing is way off, and there is potential for a ladder with Anthony.

If Anthony sees the slight increase in minutes that I believe he will, all of these props are very much in reach. The one thing I do like about this SGP, specifically for Anthony, is that if he comes into the game and knocks down a 3-pointer, his minutes should only increase.

The Magic are desperate for shooting and floor spacing, so if Anthony can knock down a shot, his minutes could elevate past our projection and give you a chance to cash all of these legs in this parlay.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Magic vs Cavaliers odds

Magic vs Cavaliers live odds

Magic vs Cavaliers opening odds

  • Spread: Orlando +5.5 | Cleveland -5.5
  • Moneyline: Orlando +188  | Cleveland -225
  • Over/Under: Over 204.5 | Under 204.5

Magic vs Cavaliers spread and Over/Under analysis

  • The Cavaliers opened as 5.5-point favorites at FanDuel, and they are now trading as 5-point favorites.
  • This is not a consensus number, as there are several sportsbooks still trading the Cavaliers at 5.5.
  • The total opened at 204.5 at FanDuel and has moved one point towards the Under to 203.5.
  • Considering both teams scored under 100 points in Game 1, it isn't shocking to see the market favor the Under on the total in Game 2.

Magic vs Cavaliers trend

The Cleveland Cavaliers have hit the first quarter game total Over in 26 of their last 39 games at home (+11.00 Units / 24% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Cavaliers.

Magic vs Cavaliers game info

Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
Date: Monday, 4-22-2024
Tip-off: 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: NBATV

Magic vs Cavaliers latest injuries

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Jon Metler
Betting Analyst

Having played, coached, and officiated basketball, Jon immediately turned his attention to the NBA when he entered the sports betting space. Sports betting has been a part of his life for over 14 years, and he specializes in futures markets and player props, particularly in the NBA. In pursuit of value, he keeps a close eye on movements in the betting markets. He believes strongly in analytics and staying ahead of the curve and, when possible, lets the numbers do the talking.

Jon hosts the NBA Prop Picks show powered by EV Analytics, which airs on the Covers YouTube channel, and he is also a regular guest on Before You Bet with Joe Osborne.

Jon keeps his eye on the NBA betting markets 365 days a year and uses 10-plus sportsbooks to always shop around for the best price for whichever bet he is looking to place. If there are NBA games on for that current day, you can guarantee that Jon woke up way too early, has already had some caffeine, and is ready to begin placing bets on NBA player props.

His favorite sportsbooks are Pinnacle, Caesars, and Betano, with the first two being where he places the majority of his bets, while Betano sneaks into the top three because of their creative futures markets for the NBA.

Before joining Covers in December 2023, Jon worked as a sports betting analyst at Sportsbook Review. He also holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Windsor, where he studied Human Kinetics with a focus on Sports Studies.

Jon's top piece of advice for sports bettors: "Any outcome is possible in sports betting; you're just hunting for one that is more probable than the sportsbooks have it priced."

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