Orlando Magic vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction and Preview | Oct. 26, 2024

The NBA regular season is underway and the Memphis Grizzlies are set to host the Orlando Magic at the FedEx Forum in Tennessee on Saturday night.

The Magic will be looking to continue their undefeated start to the 2024-25 campaign after winning both their opening games. Led by a potent offense, Orlando boasts a 2-0 record and sits atop the Eastern Conference, standing alongside the Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers.

After starting the season with a slender two-point win over the Utah Jazz, the Grizzlies were outplayed by the Houston Rockets on Friday. Led by a boisterous crowd, they will be looking to bounce back on Saturday in their home opener.

Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies odds, preview and prediction

Saturday night's game between the Magic and Grizzlies is set to tip off at 8:00 p.m at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee.

The game will be available locally on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast and FanDuel Sports Network Florida. Fans can also stream the matchup on NBA League Pass and FuboTV.

Moneyline: Magic (-120), Grizzlies (Even)

Spread: Magic -1.5 (-105), Grizzlies +1.5 (-115)

Total (Over/Under): Over 222.5 points (-105), Under 222.5 (-115)

Note: The odds are subject to change closer to tipoff, as the odds list was based on available information at the time of writing.

Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies preview

Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson drives to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner at KIA Center. Photo Credit: Imagn

The Magic are averaging 116 points per game and have shot 36.7% from the 3-point line, which ranks 12th in the NBA. The offense has been outstanding but perhaps more impressive is their stingy defense. Orlando gave up just 97 points in their season opener against the Miami Heat and followed that up by holding the Brooklyn Nets to 101 points.

Paolo Banchero will be the player to keep an eye on for the visiting team. The third-year forward is off to a strong start this season, averaging 24 points, 8.5 rebounds and six assists per game.

Memphis finished with a 27-55 record last season to miss out on the postseason for the first time since 2021.

The Grizzlies are off to a shaky 1-1 start, but there have been some positive signs, especially for an offense that has averaged 117 ppg. The defense has been a concern for Taylor Jenkins' team. The Grizzlies have given up a whopping 126 average ppg over their first two games.

The addition of 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey and the return of Ja Morant will provide some optimism for the Grizzlies fanbase. Morant, who is a two-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, is averaging 23 points, 2.5 rebounds and six assists per game.

Memphis has a long list of injuries to contend with and Luke Kennard, Jaren Jackson Jr., Wince Williams Jr., Cam Spencer and GG Jackson II are all sidelined. Power forward Jonathan Isaac is considered day-to-day and could miss out for the Magic.

Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies preview betting tips

Paolo Banchero has been in scintillating form for the Magic and we can expect the versatile forward to once again put up some big numbers against a Memphis defense that is leaking points. Although the 21-year-old had just 15 points in his last outing, expect him to bounce back on Saturday and score more than 24.5 points.

With numerous injuries to the lineup, Ja Morant will be called on to play a bigger role for the Grizzlies early in the season. When healthy, the gifted point guard is known as one of the games most exciting players and elite scorers. The point total for Morant is set for 20.5 points. He should be able to surpass that figure.

Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies prediction

The Memphis Grizzlies will be eager to put on a strong performance in their home opener and have shown that they can put up points when necessary. However, Orlando's defense has been resilient in the first two games and the offense is starting to click under Jamahl Mosley. Expect the Orlando Magic to edge this contest and cover the 1.5-point spread.