The key matchup for Wednesday’s NBA action involves a replay from five days ago. Spoiling Paolo Banchero’s return from injury, Milwaukee’s win in Orlando will be revisited with a rematch up north with the Magic coming off a few days of rest after their victory against Philadelphia.
With fresh legs and Banchero returning to full health, this is a matchup that could swing the underdog’s way. Check out our full betting card below!
G Cole Anthony (ORL) OVER 16.5 Points
With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on the injured list and Jalen Suggs out for the foreseeable future, Cole Anthony has stepped up big time for the injury-riddled Magic and has them in the 4 seed out East. While Paolo Banchero’s return is a big factor, Anthony has come alive this month with an uptick of about 15 minutes of playing time this month compared to January.
Cole has a matchup against Damian Lillard tonight that he exploited when these teams met in Orlando five days ago. He dropped 18 points while getting to the free-throw line 7 times. I’m expecting similar numbers tonight, especially with Cole playing 35+ minutes in back-to-back games.
F Jaime Jaquez Jr. (MIA) OVER 3.5 Assists
Jaquez has played a key role in what seems to be the post-Jimmy Butler era for the Miami Heat, averaging 12.5 PPG alongside nearly 10 RA this month. In his Los Angeles reunion, Jaime dropped five dimes on Monday against the Clippers and I’m expecting a similar number tonight against the Lakers, who allow 27.9 APG (24th).
G Norman Powell (LAC) OVER 22.5 Points
The Norman Powell Most Improved Player nods might be growing as we inch towards the All-Star break. Powell has dropped 25/30/29 over his last three games while attempting 17 shots in each outing.
The consistent scorer should be able to take advantage of this home matchup against Brooklyn and get out to a quick start similar to the last few outings at home. This season, the UCLA alum averages 49% from deep in the Intuit Dome. Bank on the 23+ points tonight.
Orlando Magic (+2.5 1Q)
With Banchero inserted back into the lineup, the Magic had a 31-point first-quarter outing against the Bucks five days ago and a 24-point outing against Philly on Sunday night. With some time off to rest and recover, Orlando should be able to hit the court running in Milwaukee where I believe they will get out to a quick start.
Since the new year began, this team has done an unbelievable job dishing the ball and sharing the love early on, averaging 7.1 APG in the 1st quarter alone. Trust in Banchero, Da Silva, and Cole Anthony to get out to an early lead on Wednesday night against what has become a low-key rivalry matchup out East.
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