Timberwolves vs Magic Picks, Prediction, Odds: Magic +5.5 Top ATS Pick Tonight January 09

If you are looking for a tough, scrappy, defensive basketball game, look no further than when the Minnesota Timberwolves travel to face the Orlando Magic. Both teams have top defenses and offensive shortcomings, which will play a significant factor in NBA predictions today.

Timberwolves vs Magic odds have Minnesota favored by 5.5 points. Let’s take a look at the board to find the best bets!

Timberwolves vs Magic Game Information

• Game: Timberwolves (19-17) vs Magic (22-16)
• Location: Kia Center, Orlando, FL
• Day/Time: Thursday, Jan. 9, 7:00 p.m. ET
• Timberwolves vs Magic Live Stream: NBA League Pass

Get the latest Timberwolves vs Magic betting trends here.

Timberwolves vs Magic Betting Preview: ATS, Over/Under Picks

1. Timberwolves vs Magic Under 202.5 (-115)

Neither of these teams is having great offensive seasons. The Timberwolves are averaging 109.1 points per game, which is ranked 23rd. While the offensive rating shows some promise, it is not much, at 111.4, ranked 21st.

However, there is some hope for the Timberwolves’ offense. After losing three straight games, they have won the last two. They changed the starting lineup between those stretches, with Mike Conley being benched for Donte DiVincenzo at point guard. But that might not be the reason to shift NBA spreads.

Anthony Edwards last three games:

40.7 PPG
7.3 RPG
7.7 3PM
59% 3PT pic.twitter.com/G5fxRkbqpB

— Real Sports (@realapp_) January 8, 2025

Anthony Edwards is likely the reason for the last two wins. In the game before the previous two wins, Edwards scored 53 points, but the Timberwolves lost. But in the first of these wins, he scored 37 points, adding seven rebounds and eight assists. Then, in the win over the Pelicans, Edwards had another strong game, with 32 points, nine rebounds, and three assists.

On the other hand, the Magic’s offense might be worse. They are last in the league in points per game at 105.2 but get a slight bump with an offensive rating of 109, ranked 26th. However, what has plagued them this season has been injuries. Their top two offensive options, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, have missed significant time. In the win over the Knicks, they did not have a player averaging over 10 points per game this season, as Jalen Suggs was also injured. That is why the under in this game is the best option for NBA expert picks, with both offenses not scoring a lot, especially against elite defenses, which we will look at next.

Bet this Pick: Timberwolves vs Magic Under 202.5 (-115)

2. Orlando Magic ATS +5.5

After showing how bad each offense is, let’s focus on both teams’ bread and butter: their defense. The Magic is the perfect place to start when discussing defense because despite being without their top two players for the last 13 games, they are still in fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

That is all because of the Magic’s defense. After Banchero went down after five games, the Magic lost four straight. But then Wagner took over, and the Magic only lost three of the next 16 games before he got hurt. Since then, the Magic are 6-7, with the defense trying to hold everything together. Over the last 13 games, the Magic’s defensive rating is 108, the fourth best in the league.

Then there are the Timberwolves. Their defense has been elite all season, having to make up for the lack of offense. They allow the fourth-fewest points per game this season (107.7) and have a sixth-best defensive rating (110).

Magic star Paolo Banchero is expected to return to action in one of Orlando’s back-to-back home games Thursday versus Minnesota or Friday versus Milwaukee, sources tell ESPN. Banchero has been out since Oct. 30 due to a torn oblique after a monster start to the season. pic.twitter.com/f1qVhtJo4G

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 8, 2025

However, it makes the most sense to back the Magic in this game. On the road, their defense just went up against one of the top offenses in the league, the Knicks, and held them to 94 points. They should be able to hold the Timberwolves in check. Furthermore, according to NBA news, Banchero has a chance to make his return. Through five games this season, he averaged 29 points, and his return, plus the Magic’s defense, could push them to a win.

Bet this Pick: Magic ATS +5.5

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Questions of the Day

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.