GST Staff

Nets vs. Magic Prediction, Odds, Best Prop Bets December 29, 2024

Magic Look to Solve Offensive Woes vs Sharpshooting Nets

Game Preview

Here is a data-driven preview for the upcoming game between the Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets:

The Orlando Magic (19-14) will look to snap a two-game skid as they host the Brooklyn Nets (12-19) on Sunday night. While Orlando has found more success this season with a 57.6% winning percentage, they've struggled recently, dropping 6 of their last 10 games.

A major factor has been the Magic's offensive struggles. Over their last 10 games, they've averaged just 101.6 points per contest while shooting a lukewarm 44.5% from the field and an anemic 28.9% from beyond the arc. They'll need to find their shooting stroke against a Nets team surrendering 113.1 points per game on the season.

Defensively, the Magic have remained stout on the interior, grabbing nearly 41 rebounds per game over their last 20 contests while swatting away 7 shots. But they'll be tested by Brooklyn's prolific outside shooting – the Nets have knocked down just under 37% of their threes this year, led by snipers like Seth Curry and Joe Harris.

For the Nets, the key will be taking care of the ball. They've coughed it up over 16 times per game in their last 5 outings, which has negated their own efficient shooting numbers of 41% from the field. If Brooklyn can shore up its turnover woes, it could expose Orlando's shaky perimeter defense that has allowed opponents to shoot a shade above 30% from deep over the last 20 games.

With both teams struggling to find consistency, this matchup will likely come down to which squad can impose its strengths – Orlando's stingy interior defense or Brooklyn's lethal outside shooting. The Magic have the home-court edge, but the Nets have been the more explosive offensive team this season, setting up an intriguing clash of styles.