Orlando Magic vs New Orleans Pelicans Preseason Game Prediction and Preview | Oct. 7, 2024

There are four preseason games scheduled for Oct. 7, including the Orlando Magic vs New Orleans Pelicans matchup. It's the first preseason contest for both teams after almost a week of training camp. The game will be played at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Orlando only made one major move in the offseason, signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency. KCP will provide the young Magic roster with playoff experience as a two-time NBA champion with the LA Lakers in 2020 and the Denver Nuggets in 2023.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans' biggest move during the summer was acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. Murray helps the Pelicans with his playmaking and defensive skills.

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Orlando Magic vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction, Preview and Odds for 2024 NBA Preseason

Moneyline: Magic (+110) vs Pelicans (-130)

Spread: Magic +2 (-110) vs Pelicans -2 (-110)

Total (O/U): Magic o209.5 (-110) vs Pelicans u209.5 (-110)

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Orlando Magic vs New Orleans Pelicans preview

The Orlando Magic ended a three-year playoff drought and as they finished as the No. 5 seed in 2023-24. The Magic pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to the limit in seven games and even had a big lead before blowing it up in the second half of Game 7.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans made it to the first round of the playoffs as the No. 8 seed but were swept by the OKC Thunder. The Pelicans' main problem, aside from Zion Williamson's injury woes, was not having a primary playmaker, and the addition of Dejounte Murray solves this.

The Magic and Pelicans faced each other twice last season, with the former sweeping the season series. Orlando has also won five straight against New Orleans since March 9, 2022.

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Orlando Magic vs New Orleans Pelicans predicted starting lineups

Magic

G - Jalen Suggs | G - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | F - Franz Wagner | F - Paolo Banchero | C - Wendell Carter Jr.

Pelicans

G - Dejounte Murray | G - CJ McCollum | F - Brandon Ingram | F - Zion Williamson | C - Yves Missi

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Orlando Magic vs New Orleans Pelicans prediction

The New Orleans Pelicans are the slight favorites to beat the Orlando Magic on Monday night, but since it's the preseason, both coaches are likely to limit their stars' minutes.

Nevertheless, it will likely be a competitive game since a majority of players are either trying to make the rotation or the roster.

The Magic have the better depth, so they are likely to win this contest.