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Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic: Preview, Predictions and Picks for January 9, 2025

Updated on:
Jan 9, 2025 8:05 PM
On Thursday, January 9, 2025, the Minnesota Timberwolves, currently sitting eighth in the Western Conference with a 19-17 record, are set to face off against the Orlando Magic, who hold a 22-16 record and fourth place in the Eastern Conference. The Magic have been dominant at home, sporting a 13-5 record at the Amway Center, while the Timberwolves have struggled on the road with a 9-10 record. Can the Timberwolves pull off an upset on Magic territory?
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Orlando Magic

Current Odds

MIN
ORL
Over
190.5
-110
Under
192.5
-113
MIN
-13.5
-105
ORL
+17.5
+100
MIN
ML
-5000
ORL
ML
+10000

Orlando Magic recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
1/6/25 @ New York Knicks W 103-94
1/5/25 vs Utah Jazz L 105-92
1/3/25 @ Toronto Raptors W 106-97
1/1/25 @ Detroit Pistons L 105-96
12/29/24 vs Brooklyn Nets W 102-101

Minnesota Timberwolves recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
1/7/25 @ New Orleans Pelicans W 104-97
1/6/25 vs LA Clippers W 108-106
1/4/25 @ Detroit Pistons L 119-105
1/2/25 vs Boston Celtics L 118-115
12/31/24 @ Oklahoma City Thunder L 113-105

Orlando Magic injuries

  • Paolo Banchero (PF): Out
  • Jalen Suggs (SG): Out
  • Gary Harris (SG): Out
  • Franz Wagner (SF): Out
  • Moritz Wagner (C): Out

Minnesota Timberwolves injuries

  • Rob Dillingham (G): Out

Timberwolves vs Magic game info

Type Info
Venue Kia Center
Location Orlando, FL
Tip-off Thu 7:00 PM
TV NBA TV

Timberwolves vs Magic predictions

When the Minnesota Timberwolves step onto the court, all eyes will likely be on Anthony Edwards. With an impressive average of 25.8 points per game, he's one of the driving forces behind the Timberwolves' offense. In this matchup against the Orlando Magic, I can see him maintaining his stellar form, potentially racking up over 24 points. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert will likely continue to dominate in the paint, grabbing upwards of 11 rebounds. Let's not forget Julius Randle's versatile contribution; if he sneaks in a few key assists and hits double digits in scoring, the Wolves will be in a strong position to challenge the Magic.

Turning our gaze to the Orlando Magic's court, the absence of Franz Wagner, sidelined with an oblique strain, will be felt. Nevertheless, Paulo Banchero is poised to take center stage, possibly countering Edwards with his own offensive prowess, maybe even putting up around 20 points. Cole Anthony is another player to watch; he's adept at balancing scoring and playmaking, and could be a crucial factor if he hits the expected numbers of over 16 points and dishing out a handful of assists. Meanwhile, Goga Bitadze's ability to control the boards will be critical, especially facing a big man like Gobert.

Now, predicting the winner of this clash is no easy task, especially with both teams boasting a solid record. The Orlando Magic, sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference, brings a strong home record that could give them a slight edge. Yet, the Timberwolves aren't far behind, and with players like Edwards and Gobert potentially having standout performances, they're more than capable of pulling off an upset. However, if I had to put my money on it, the Magic, with their home-court advantage and clutch performances from Banchero and Anthony, could very well steal the show and walk away with the win. What do you think—will the Magic's home spell prevail?

Orlando Magic

Minnesota Timberwolves

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