Magic vs Nuggets Betting Odds – Travelling Magic show hits speedbump in Denver

NBA Odds: Pick Denver

Sports betting players should check out Wednesday’s Magic vs Nuggets odds, as it pits two possible NBA Finalists together. Denver is one of the top home teams in the league, and even though Orlando is a solid team on the road, they could be a bit tired by a game on the previous night. Look for Denver to take advantage of this.

WHAT: NBA betting

WHEN: Wednesday, December 13, 10:00 PM ET

WHERE: Pepsi Center, Denver, CO

KEY STAT: Orlando is 3-4 in the second half of back-to-back games this season

The Storyline - Magic vs Nuggets betting odds maker breakdown
The Magic (25-12 as of Tuesday) will kick off a four-game Western swing on Tuesday in Sacremento, before heading to Denver, Portland, and an NBA Finals rematch with the Lakers. The Nuggets (24-14) welcomed back Carmelo Anthony to the lineup after their scoring leader missed five games with a knee injury, in which Denver went 3-2.

Offensive Matchups - Magic vs Nuggets betting odds maker breakdown
Orlando is a balanced scoring team, and they can even put up points without Vince Carter, who sprained his shoulder in last Friday’s loss in Washington. The Magic still live and die with the three, coming in sixth in the NBA from beyond the arc, but if Dwight Howard was a better free-throw shooter, they could go inside far more often.

The Nuggets are third in the NBA in points, and when healthy, there may not be a better pure scorer in the league than Anthony. Chauncey Billups’ experience keeps the Nuggets going, and they get a boost off the bench from J.R. Smith and rookie Ty Lawson, who is injured right now.

Betting Edge:Nuggets

Defensive Matchups - Magic vs Nuggets betting odds maker breakdown
The Magic still have the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Howard, but teams are trying their best to avoid the big shotblocker. They can also bring Mickael Pietrus and Brandon Bass off the bench for more defense, but they can be bullied at the guard position.

The Nuggets’ improved defense was the reason for their sportsbook success last year, and it starts with Billups, who brought discipline to Denver. The Nuggets also have a trio of bigs they can rotate in Nene, Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen. Still, Denver sometimes tries to simply outscore teams.

Betting Edge: Magic

Bulls vs Hawks betting odds maker breakdown: OFFENSE
The Bulls are atrocious offensively, coming in 28th in points scored. Only once have they scored more than 100 points in a game, and they managed only 78 in a loss to Toronto on Saturday. Chicago shoots a brutal 43.2% from the floor, and Rose and Salmons really need to step up.

The Hawks are seventh in the league in points scored, and they’re one of the most balanced teams in the league. They also receive a major boost with Crawford’s scoring off the bench. Atlanta is ninth in field-goal percentage, and they’re fourth in the league in offensive rebounding.

Betting Edge: Hawks

Bulls vs Hawks betting odds maker breakdown: DEFENSE
The Bulls’ defense is the only thing that is keeping their sportsbook hopes afloat, and even that has taken a hit lately as Chicago has allowed 100 points or more in five of their last seven games, which have all ended in losses. With their offensive problems, there is no way that the Bulls can afford to give up more than 100 points.

Atlanta is two spots behind Chicago at 15th in points allowed, but teams are hitting 37.5% of their three-point attempts against the Hawks. Atlanta is fourth in the league in rebounds, and Smith leads the league with 2.6 blocks per game.

Betting Edge: Magic

Notable Injuries - Magic vs Nuggets betting odds maker breakdown
Matt Barnes (hand) has been playing through some torn ligaments, while Carter (shoulder) should return to the lineup soon.

Lawson (ankle) has missed two games in a row, and he’s day-to-day with his injury.

Betting Edge: Nuggets

Betting Prediction - Magic vs Nuggets betting odds maker breakdown
These two split a pair of meetings last year, with the road team winning each time. The Nuggets should have the edge on Wednesday, as Orlando is 3-4 in the second half of back-to-back games this season, and the Magic will face a scrappy Sacramento team on Tuesday. Combine that with the time change, and a rested Denver squad that is 16-3 at the Pepsi Center, take the Nuggets at home.

Craig’s Pick: Nuggets

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