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The NBA will resume on Thursday, and there are 12 games on the schedule, including the Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers. It will be the fourth and final matchup of the season between the two outfits, with the Cavaliers ahead 2-1. Let's look at the game's preview, prediction, starting lineups and betting tips.
Orlando was one of the surprise teams early in the season before falling off in January. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, started slow before getting hot at the right time despite injuries to Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
Thursday's game will be the 126th regular-season meeting between the Magic and Cavaliers since their first one on Nov. 8, 1989. The Cavs are ahead 65-60 in the all-time matchup and have won eight of their last 10 games.
Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers preview, prediction, odds and betting tips
The Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers game is on Thursday at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. It starts at 7:00 p.m. EST and will be televised on Bally Sports Florida and Bally Sports Ohio.
Moneyline: Magic (+200) vs Cavaliers (-240)
Spread: Magic +6 (-110) vs Cavaliers -6 (-110)
Total (O/U): Magic -115 (o215.5) vs Cavaliers -105 (u215.5)
Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers preview
The Orlando Magic played well heading into the All-Star break, winning seven of their last 10 games. They have a record of 30-25 and are eighth in the Eastern Conference. They are just 0.5 games behind the No. 6 Indiana Pacers in the standings.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers were one of the hottest teams before the All-Star break. They are 9-1 in their last 10 games and sitting comfortably at No. 2, behind the Boston Celtics, in the East.
Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers starting lineups
The Orlando Magic only have one player listed as injured for Thursday – Markelle Fultz. Coach Jamahl Mosely is expected to use his starting five of Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers have one player out with injury and one out due to suspension. Donovan Mitchell is questionable with an illness. If he misses the game, coach J. B. Bickerstaff could use a starting lineup of Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, Max Strus, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers betting tips
Donovan Mitchell has an over/under of 25.5 points for Thursday's game. Mitchell has scored more than 26 points in four of his last five games. It's most likely safe to bet on him to go over 25.5 points, but his status for the game should be monitored.
Paolo Banchero is projected to go over 20.5 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has scored more than 20.5 points in his last two games, but it might be better to bet on him to go under against the defense of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Franz Wagner is favored to go under 19.5 points, which might be a bad bet to take. He has scored at least 20 points thrice in his last four games and is capable of scoring against smaller defenders like Isaac Okoro and Max Strus.
Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers prediction
The Cleveland Cavaliers are the slight favorites to beat the Orlando Magic. The Cavs have home court advantage and have been playing better than the young Magic. Oddsmakers are predicting the Cavs to get the win, the Magic to cover the spread and the total to go over.
