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The Orlando Magic will visit the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday (October 19) to begin their new NBA season.
The matchup will feature the first overall pick from the 2021 and 2022 NBA Drafts as Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero will look to begin the season with a victory. Both teams are coming off a rough 2021-2022 campaign and possess young rosters that will likely experience growing pains.
The Magic ended last season with the worst record in the Eastern Conference. They averaged just 104.2 points per game, the second-worst in the NBA. Their defense was not very good either, finishing 20th in points allowed, giving up 112.2 points per game.
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The Pistons were not much better, finishing with the Eastern Conference's second-worst record. Their 104.8 points per game was the third-worst in the league, while their defense finished 22nd in points allowed, surrendering 112.5 per game.
The Magic will be without Markelle Fultz, Jonathan Isaac, Mortiz Wagner, and Gary Harris. Marvin Bagley III, Alec Burks, and Isaiah Livers will miss the season opener for the Pistons.
Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons Match Details
Fixture: Orlando Magic @ Detroit Pistons
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 19; 7:00 pm EDT
Venue: Little Casears Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons Betting Odds
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Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons Best Picks
Wendell Carter Jr. has begun to look like the player many expected him to become when he was drafted seventh overall in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Carter averaged 15 points per game and 10.5 rebounds per game last season. With both teams quite undersized, look for Carter to put together a strong rebounding performance.
Pick: Wendell Carter Jr. Over 9.5 Rebounds (-135)
While rookies tend struggle to score the ball in their first taste of NBA action, Paolo Banchero has looked like the real deal in the preseason.
With a young roster that isn't expected to compete for a postseason spot, the Magic should primarily focus on developing the first overall pick. Look for them to involve Banchero in their offense early and often.
Pick: Paolo Banchero Over 14.5 Points (-105)
If Banchero is able to get his shot going early, the Pistons will likely focus on slowing him down. That will present Banchero with plenty of opportunities to find open teammates.
During college, Banchero showed the ability to distribute the ball, and that should be expected to continue at the next level.
Pick: Paolo Banchero Over 1.5 Assists (-160)
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Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons Betting Prediction
The Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons are expected to wind up selecting near the top of the draft once again. Both teams will look for their young players to take a step forward in what could be another difficult season.
The Pistons will play in front of their home crowd. Additionally, their rotation possesses several key veterans, while, outside of Terrence Ross, the Magic will field a rotation of players under the age of 25.
Pick: Detroit Pistons -3 (-110)
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