Thunder vs. Magic predictions, tips and odds for today’s NBA game

It’ll take more than an NBA Cup clunker to derail this Oklahoma City Thunder express train, as they storm into the Kia Center to take on the Orlando Magic tonight at 7 p.m. ET on TNT.

OKC had a costly and uncharacteristically poor shooting night in Las Vegas on Tuesday, but my Thunder vs. Magic predictions point to a backlash and a much sharper offensive display here.

Check out my NBA picks for this battle on Thursday, December 19th as Orlando continues without its two best players.

Thunder vs Magic prediction

My best choice
Thunder team total over 109.5 (-115 at bet365)

My analysis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a pretty big understatement after the Oklahoma City Thunder’s NBA Cup disappointment on Tuesday: “We didn’t shoot well.”

It was a perfect storm for the Thunder against the Milwaukee Bucks as they scored just 81 points and missed 27 of their 32 attempts from 3-point range, with SGA being the only player to score more than one triple.

But that’s a major anomaly for a young, strong team that’s averaging 115.6 ppg this year, and I expect the visitors to quickly put this tough shooting night behind them.

Before that ice-cold attempt earlier this week, the Thunder had topped 110 points in six straight games, and that makes over their 109.5 point mark an attractive choice here.

This line reflects the Orlando Magic’s relentless defense, but there have been signs of slowing down lately. Orlando has allowed at least 110 points in two of its last three games, and the roster is getting thinner as some of its best defensive players expend more energy offensively to fill the void left by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

I see the guests cashing in tonight as they try to put their midweek setback behind them. OKC ranks in the top 10 in points and 3-point attempts per game and has plenty of scoring opportunities behind SGA and Jalen Williams.

The NBA Cup trophy would have been a nice springboard for the Thunder, but at 20-5, they’re still the team to beat in the West, and this week was another learning step toward the championship. Unfortunately for the Magic, they may find themselves in the firing line against a vengeful OKC squad.

Thunder vs. Magic in the same game

Thunder TT over 109.5

Jalen Williams Over 19.5 points

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 5.5 rebounds

Chet Holmgren’s absence takes away some of OKC’s flexibility but gives Williams more opportunities to expand his game. The result was an All-Star level track.

With Gilgeous-Alexander drawing a large crowd, J-Dub is the ideal No. 2 scorer and I’m picking him for another productive night. He has had at least 20 points in five of his last seven, including 28 points against the Utah Jazz.

And what is an OKC SGP without some SGA? His scoring addition gives me pause as Jalen Suggs is with him all night, but he continues to contribute steadily on the boards, averaging 6.0 rebounds in December.

It’s no secret that the Magic have offensive limitations, most notably their league-worst 31% mark from 3-point range, and I’m looking for Gilgeous-Alexander to take advantage of opportunities to grab rebounds and the to ignite a strong OKC fast break.

Learn how to place a bet in the same game with these helpful tips and strategies.

Thunder vs Magic odds

Live odds between Thunder and Magic

Thunder vs. Magic opening odds

• Spread: Oklahoma City -4.5 (-110) | Orlando +4.5 (-110)
• Money line: Oklahoma City -190 | Orlando +160
• Over/Under: Over 211.5 (-110) | Below 211.5 (-110)

Odds courtesy of bet365

Thunder vs. Magic spread and over/under analysis

• Both teams have excelled against the spread – the Thunder are 16-8-2 ATS and the Magic are 16-12.
• Despite costly injuries, Orlando is 10-1 at the Kia Center, which makes me hesitant to root for OKC, even though the Thunder are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings between these teams.
• The visitors are 11-15 under – and they’ve served three straight – while the Magic have gone 1H under in 50 of their last 82 contests.
• OKC has scored at least 112 points in five of its last six meetings against Orlando.

Thunder vs. Magic trend.

The Thunder have reached the 1H money line in 32 of their last 46 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Magic.

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