Pistons vs. Magic NBA Odds, Preview and Free Pick (Archive)
Two young teams with their eyes set on the future face off tonight when the Detroit Pistons head to Orlando to take on the Magic. Both teams are prioritizing development over wins right now. However, both teams will want to show that they are further ahead in their rebuilding process when they face each other tonight. When these two young teams square off, who will be the winning NBA pick?
Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic
Thursday, March 17, 2022 – 07:00 PM EDT at Amway Center
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons come into this NBA matchup having lost their last four games. The Pistons' most recent outing was the 105–98 loss in Miami to the Heat. The Pistons were without their leader Cade Cunningham in that game, and he is a game-time decision for tonight's game.
The Pistons will also be without star forward Jerami Grant. Without these two in the lineup, the Pistons' offense may lack punch. The Pistons will turn the other young players that they're developing if that is the case.
One such player is Marvin Bagley III. Bagley was acquired at the trade deadline. Bagley has had a rough start to his NBA career. Bagley was drafted number 2 overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2018.
While Bagley is a fine NBA player, he was never forgiven by Sacramento fans for not being the player who most fans wanted, Luka Doncic. In this case, the fans were correct and Bagley and the city never connected. Bagley was finally shipped out this season and now has a fresh start in Detroit.
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Bagley is making the most of his opportunity in Detroit. Bagley has had 10 points or more in eight straight games. If both Cade Cunningham and Jerami Grant miss the game tonight, Bagley will have an opportunity to showcase his offensive talent, as he will be one of the main drivers of the Pistons' offense.
Isaiah Livers is another young player taking advantage of the minutes given to him. Livers had a stronger role and the most recent game against Miami and took advantage, scoring 16 points in 32 minutes. Livers is a rookie who played in Michigan in college.
This game was only Livers' 10th game this season, and the hometown kid hopes to continue to get opportunities. Livers shows one of the advantages of completely rebuilding your squad. You can find young players who have been overlooked that produce when given the opportunity.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic were on the wrong end of a star performance on Tuesday night. The Magic lost to the Brooklyn Nets 150–108. They allowed Kyrie Irving to set a Brooklyn Nets franchise record with 60 points. This is all part of the rebuilding process, however. When you are developing young players who are learning from mistakes, sometimes established stars will remind young teams how far away they still are.
The Magic have plenty to be excited about on this roster. The Magic top four scorers are all younger than 22 years old. The Magic are led in scoring by Cole Anthony. Anthony is averaging 17 points a game this year and had 19 points in the loss to Brooklyn. Anthony's ability to get to the rim and lead an offense has been encouraging. Anthony will continue to improve as he gains more experience.
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The Magic had 2 top 10 picks this year and drafted Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner. Suggs started slow but is starting to find himself as the season progresses. Suggs has a lightning-quick first step. He can get to the rim against almost any defender. He still learning how to use his quickness. He sometimes can be reckless when attacking the rim which can cause turnovers.
This is often the case for a young player. Watching Suggs however, it is easy to envision that he can be a standout player within the next 3 years.
Franz Wagner has been arguably the Magic's best player. Wagner is only 20 years old but is doing all the things that you'd expect from a veteran power forward. Wagner can attack the rim if you play him to close, hit his jumper if you play off him too far, and plays excellent defense for a rookie. If Wagner continues to improve, you can see the Magic core will be ready to truly compete within the next two to three years.
Key Matchup
Marvin Bagley III vs. Franz Wagner
If Cade Cunningham is out, Marvin Bagley III will start at power forward and be a focal point of the offense. Franz Wagner will probably draw the defensive assignment more often than not. This will be a great opportunity for Bagley to show that he can score even against a solid defender. It will also be a great test for Franz Wagner.
If Bagley is able to have a big night even against one of Orlando’s best defenders, he will instill faith in the coaching staff that he can get things done, and the Pistons have a great chance to win the game. If Wagner is able to shut Bagley down, this depleted Pistons squad will have problems keeping pace, and the Magic will win and most likely cover NBA odds.
Best Bet
I don't think Marvin Bagley III will be enough to lead the Pistons' offense against the Magic. Also, Bagley struggles on the defensive end and Franz Wagner can take advantage of it on the other side.
The Magic should be motivated to put forth a good performance after their last game, an embarrassing loss. If Cade Cunningham is ruled in, the Pistons have a good chance to win. Without him, the Magic should cruise to victory. Today's play of the day is the Orlando Magic -3.5.
NBA Pick: Orlando Magic -3.5 (-110) with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
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