Phoenix Suns vs Orlando Magic Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 8, 2024

The undermanned Phoenix Suns visit the Orlando Magic on Sunday as they try to halt a skid against one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference at the Kia Center in Orlando. It will be the second and last meeting of the two teams this season, with the Magic claiming their first encounter, 109-99, on Nov. 19.

Phoenix is eighth place in the Western Conference with a 12-10 record as it continues to grapple not having a full complement of their roster, with All-Star Kevin Durant made to miss another time because of an ankle injury.

Orlando, meanwhile, has hit a rough of patch of late, going 1-2 in its last three games but still remains a top-echelon team early in the tournament with a 16-9 record.

---

Phoenix Suns vs Orlando Magic preview, predicted starting lineups, betting tips, odds, and prediction

The game between the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic is set for a 6:30 p.m. ET tip-off. It will be available to fans with an active NBA League Pass subscription.

Here's a look at the odds for the game as listed as of this writing:

Teams	Spread	Total o/u	Moneyline
Phoenix Suns	+1	o212 (-108)	-105
Orlando Magic	-1	u212 (-110)	-115

Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off.

---

Phoenix Suns vs Orlando Magic preview

The Suns have had their trouble when Durant is not playing, something they have to continue dealing with for now, as the ankle injury he sustained is up for reevaluation until after this week. Exacerbating matters, starting center Jusuf Nurkic is also out for some time because of a right thigh contusion.

Such has left the heavy lifting to Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. While they have been keeping their heads above water, the Suns machine is far from fluid sans some of their key pieces.

Orlando, meanwhile, continues to be without All-Star Paolo Bachero (right torn oblique) but has adjusted well, thanks to a collective effort, led by the likes of brothers Franz and Mo Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Goga Bitadze and Anthony Black.

Before their rough patch, they won 12 of 13 games to be among the notable teams in the East.

---

Phoenix Suns vs. Orlando Magic predicted starting lineups

With the Suns continuing to miss key pieces in its roster, it's expected to continue parading a "makeshift" starting five, which should look like this.

Position	Players
Point guard	Tyus Jones
Shooting guard	Devin Booker
Small forward	Bradley Beal
Power forward	Royce O'Neale
Center	Mason Plumlee

Phoenix Suns injury report (Dec. 8): Kevin Durant (ankle) out indefinitely; Jusuf Nurkic (right thigh contusion) out indefinitely; and Ryan Dunn (ankle) day-to-day.

The Magic, for their part, should have their usual five without Bachero.

Position	Players
Point guard	Jalen Suggs
Shooting guard	Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Small forward	Franz Wagner
Power forward	Wendell Carter Jr.
Center	Goga Bitadze

Orlando Magic injiury report (Dec. 8): Jonathan Isaac (hamstring) day-to-day and Gary Harris (hamstring) out indefinitely.

---

Phoenix Suns vs Orlando Magic betting tips

Devin Booker and Jalen Suggs are projected to lead their respective teams in their showdown. Booker is projected to have a stat line of 23 points, six assists and four rebounds (around his season averages) for the Suns and Suggs going for 17 points, five assists and four rebounds (above his season averages) for the Magic.

Phoenix Suns vs Orlando Magic prediction

The Suns are yet to show that they can play steady ball even without Durant, leaving them vulnerable yet again in their game against the Magic. They continue to battle but simpy having a hard time finding that consistency in winning.

Compared that to the Magic, who are more steady recently and have seemingly figured out what they have at their disposal and what they are capable of. Add that to that the fact that they are playing at home, where they have been undefeated in nine games.

Orlando should take the win and the season series with the Suns.