Magic vs Cavaliers Picks: Cavs ATS Bet, Banchero Injury Impact 11/1
- This is a rematch from the first round of the playoffs last season, where the Cavaliers won in seven games.
- Check out the Magic vs Cavaliers injuries for one of the key betting factors.
- All NBA odds are available at the BetUS sportsbook.
According to NBA predictions, there is a consensus on which four teams will be at the top of the Eastern Conference. However, the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers are two talented teams that have a legitimate chance to challenge for that. On Friday, these teams meet for the first time since the Cavaliers eliminated the Magic in the first round of the playoffs last season.
The Magic are not much different from last season. They are still one of the best defensive teams in the league, but a huge injury to leading scorer Paolo Banchero will have an impact on both this matchup and Orlando’s upcoming games.
The Cavaliers dealt with many injuries to crucial players last season, but they were a potential challenger in the East when they were healthy. That made them a sneaky option for the BetUS sportsbook in 2024-25, and they are providing that, being the only undefeated team in the conference.
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Magic vs Cavaliers Game Information
- Game: Magic (3-2) vs. Cavaliers (5-0)
- Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
- Day/Time: Friday, Nov. 1, 7:00 p.m. ET
- Magic vs Cavaliers Live Stream: NBA Game Pass
Magic vs Cavaliers Odds and Spread
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Magic vs Cavaliers Betting Preview
Can Cleveland Keep Hot Start Going?
The Cavaliers have kept their roster the same going into the season. Star players Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland are still on the roster. Last season, all four dealt with injuries, with only one playing over 60 games.
Now that the Cavaliers are healthy, they are playing well. All four players are averaging over 17 points, led by Mitchell at 23.8. If this is how the Cavaliers’ stars will play this season, they will be an easy team to back for NBA betting. They have won their first five games of the season, covering each spread to prove that the Cavaliers are possible contenders in the East.
However, in the offseason, the Cavaliers did make a move that headlined NBA news. They decided to fire head coach J.B. Bickerstaff after three winning seasons. Kenny Atkinson has replaced him and is possibly the biggest reason for the Cavaliers’ early success.
Kenny Atkinson with the Cavs:
5-0
+91 point differential— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) October 31, 2024
Under Bickerstaff last season, the Cavaliers were among the slowest teams in the NBA. Their pace rate (the number of estimated possessions within 48 minutes) was 97.2, ranked 22nd. But Atkinson wants his team to play faster, with their pace now at 101.2, ranked eighth.
Right now, that is the most logical reason for the Cavaliers’ improved play, which should lead to them covering the NBA spread in this game.
Bet on This Pick: Cavaliers -7½
What is Impact of Banchero Injury?
The biggest reason for that has been the Magic’s improvement on the offensive side of the ball. Banchero had improved his game all around, already having a 50-point night while averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists.
However, he suffered a torn oblique and will be sidelined indefinitely for the Magic. Meanwhile, forward Franz Wagner, averaging 17.8 points, is listed as a game-time decision for Friday. That immediately makes the under the best betting option in NBA picks because the Magic’s offense without them two is not great
Just In: Orlando Magic superstar Paolo Banchero has been diagnosed with a torn right oblique and is sidelined indefinitely, sources tell ESPN. He will be re-evaluated in four-to-six weeks and return to play will be based on how he responds to treatment. pic.twitter.com/hq4qh7IONa
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 1, 2024
Among the young players who will need to pick up the slack is Jalen Suggs, who is third on the team in scoring at 16.8 points per game. Orlando will also rely on a defense that was one of the best in the league last season and seems on track to be that again.
The Magic were second in defensive rating last season, allowing the fourth-fewest points per game. Even though it is a small sample size, the Magic allow 107.8 points per game and have a top-five defensive rating of 108.4.
However, despite those defensive numbers, the Magic have hit the over in four of five games this season. Their last game, a 102-99 loss to the Chicago Bulls, was their first time not hitting the oer in 2024-25.
With Banchero sidelined for Orlando, the NBA lines of 217½ for the over/under seems too high for Friday’s matchup.
Questions Of The Day
Who is going to be the leading scorer in this game?
So far, there has yet to be a clear-cut offensive leader for the Cavaliers, but Donovan Mitchell might be the best option.
Can either of these teams be future bets to make the playoffs?
Both teams made the playoffs last season, meeting in the first round, and they should be back again this season.
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.
