Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 29, 2024

The Brooklyn Nets begin a three-game road trip with a matchup against the Orlando Magic on Sunday. Brooklyn will avoid a sweep of the season series if it can salvage a win against Orlando. Cameron Johnson and Cam Thomas are expected to play following injury layoffs, giving the Nets a boost.

The Magic, meanwhile, will try to end a three-game losing skid against an opponent they have dominated this season. Orlando will hope to snap out of its funk despite not having Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Mo Wagner on the active list.

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Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

The Kia Center in Orlando will host the Nets-Magic matchup. Basketball fans can catch the action by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Nets (+240) vs. Magic (-300)

Odds: Nets (+7.0) vs. Magic (-7.0)

Total (O/U): Nets (o204.5 -110) vs. Magic (u204.5 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.

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Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic preview

The expected return of Cameron Johnson and Cam Thomas should give the Brooklyn Nets a badly needed boost, particularly on offense. Brooklyn has had trouble generating offense without the two in their past few games.

However, Brooklyn’s defense must bare its teeth to hold off the overachieving Magic. The Nets have proven that they could slow down their opponents but haven't done it consistently. If they can step up on that end, they have a good chance of walking away with a rare road win.

The Orlando Magic have been playing with grit and resilience despite missing three of their best players. Orlando has relied on its defensive identity to pull off wins. The Magic, third in the NBA in defensive rating, could end their two-game slide by clamping down on the Nets.

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley will hope to continue getting an offensive lift from Jalen Suggs, Goga Bitadze, Anthony Black and Wendell Carter Jr.

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Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic predicted starting lineups

Nets

PG: Cam Thomas | SG: Keon Johnson | SF: Cam Johnson | PF: Dorian Finney-Smith | C: Nic Claxton

Magic

PG: Anthony Black | SG: Jalen Suggs | SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | PF: Tristan da Silva | C: Goga Bitadze

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Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic betting tips

Jalen Suggs is averaging 19.4 points per game in December but has been on a roll lately. Over his last two games, he put up 28.5 PPG. Against Brooklyn’s defense, which has struggled for most of the season, Suggs could hit the over in his 21.5 (O/U) points prop.

Cam Johnson has played well in December, averaging 23.4 PPG. Before suffering an injury, he dropped 29 points on the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. Johnson is ready to play again and could top the 17.5 (O/U) points prop.

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Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic prediction

The return of Johnson and Thomas is good news for the Nets, who have been inconsistent this season. Orlando is at home with a defense that's one of the best in the NBA. The Magic could win the game but allow Brooklyn to cover the +7.0 spread.