The Cleveland Cavaliers are eyeing a deep playoff run — but tonight’s matchup against the Orlando Magic is tough to gauge as All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Paolo Banchero are both questionable with illnesses.

The Cavs, 18-3 so far in 2024, have grabbed control of the No. 2 seed in the East. They went 9-1 in their last 10 games before the All-Star break and are clear favorites here in the NBA odds.

The primary goal for the Magic over the final two months of the regular season is to creep above the Play-In line, but this young group will need to turn around their shaky road form to do so. 

Check out my free NBA picks for the Magic vs Cavaliers on February 22.

Magic vs Cavaliers odds

Magic vs Cavaliers predictions

There’s been no sophomore slump for Paolo Banchero and he deserved his All-Star nod in Indianapolis at the weekend, but don’t sleep on Franz Wagner’s impact as his sidekick on an Orlando Magic team capable of making some noise if they reach the postseason.

The German is putting together another terrific year despite a dip in his 3-point percentage, and he could be in line for an even bigger role in the Orlando offense tonight if Banchero is ruled out.

Either way, I like Franz’s points + assists prop tonight. He’s cashed the Over on this number four times already in February, including three outings where he’s gone north of 30 in points alone.

With Markelle Fultz also a doubt for the Magic, there could be a major playmaking void for Wagner to fill, and he’s had five or more dimes in three of his past four contests.

Sure, he’s running into a stingy Cleveland Cavaliers defense, but he posted a nine-assist game against the Cavs back in early December and he’s shooting 53% from the field this month.

Those trends are all pointing towards a busy night, and the visitors will need a Franz masterpiece if they’re going to pull off a road upset.

My best bet: Franz Wagner Over 24.5 points + assists (-120 at bet365)

Magic vs Cavaliers same-game parlay

Franz Wagner Over 24.5 points+assists

Jarrett Allen Over 11.5 rebounds

Magic team total Under 109.5

Averaging a double-double and anchoring the injury-hit Cavs, Jarrett Allen had a fringe All-Star case. Instead, he got a week off, and I see him coming back fresh to dominate the glass tonight.

Cleveland is going to have a size advantage against the Orlando frontcourt, and there should be rebounds to vacuum up with the Magic making just 35% of their triples (second-worst in the NBA) and scoring the fifth fewest points per game (111.7).

Allen averaged 13.3 boards a game in January, and he should be a factor on both ends here.

I’m also jumping on the visitor’s offensive struggles to complete this SGP. The Magic had a stretch in January where they were held to 100 points or fewer in four straight games, and their potential absences tonight are an ominous sign.

The Cavs have held six of their last eight opponents under 107 points, and I see Orlando faltering when faced with the Allen-Evan Mobley duo in the paint.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Magic vs Cavaliers spread and Over/Under analysis

The Cavs have been rock solid at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse this season — boasting a 19-9 record — and they’re 8.5-point favorites as the NBA season gets back underway tonight. 

That line has climbed today with the expectation that Mitchell, who attended shootaround, will be cleared to play, and the news that Banchero is now questionable. 

Cleveland has won six of the past seven meetings between these teams, covering the spread in five of those contests. The hosts lead the season series 2-1 and have also piled up some statement wins since the New Year, crushing the Milwaukee Bucks and grounding the high-flying L.A. Clippers.

Orlando’s 12-17 road mark is a concern, but Jalen Suggs has the defensive chops to make Mitchell work for his points and the Magic are an impressive 36-19 ATS this season.

The game total Over/Under trends tell contrasting stories. The Over has been a winning ticket in seven of the visitors’ last 10 games, including their last five, while the Under is 7-3 in the Cavs’ past 10 contests.

A total of 215.5 seems to account for some post-All Star break clunkiness, since two of the three matchups this season have breezed past that number, including Cleveland’s 126-99 victory in late January.

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Magic vs Cavaliers betting trend to know

The Magic have only hit the team total Over in 13 of their last 37 road games. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Cavaliers.

Magic vs Cavaliers game info

Magic vs Cavaliers latest injuries

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