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Orlando (15-11) at Denver (19-6)
- When: Dec 18 2025, 9:00 PM
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA
- TV: ALT
Orlando vs Denver Preview & Prediction
Spread: Denver -7.0
Moneyline: Denver (-275)
Total: 237.0
Orlando Magic Breakdown
Orlando keeps finding ways to win despite looking like an injury report disguised as a roster. The Magic remain near the top of the East, but this road trip starts in the worst possible place with altitude, depth and Nikola Jokic waiting. Franz Wagner remains sidelined, Jalen Suggs is out, and that puts heavy responsibility on Paolo Banchero to carry scoring and rebounding duties every night.
Banchero has stepped back in smoothly since returning, but asking Orlando’s young rotation to survive in Denver without multiple starters is a tall order. The Magic rely on defense and balanced scoring, yet injuries force role players into expanded minutes against one of the league’s most efficient offenses. Keeping this game close likely means slowing pace, protecting the ball and surviving Jokic minutes without bleeding points.
Magic Player Prop Pick: Paolo Banchero over 29.5 points and rebounds – Usage spikes with Wagner and Suggs out, and Orlando needs him aggressive all night.
Denver Nuggets Breakdown
Denver keeps winning even while missing key starters. Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon remain out, and Peyton Watson is questionable, yet the Nuggets just keep stacking victories. The home record has been oddly shaky, but that ended recently, and Denver’s offense remains elite regardless of lineup changes.
Nikola Jokic continues to operate like a cheat code, controlling every possession while Jamal Murray stretches defenses with efficient shooting. Denver’s improved bench has been the quiet difference this season, allowing them to maintain tempo and scoring even when rotations shift. Against a short handed Magic team, Denver can lean on depth, ball movement and transition scoring to create separation.
The Nuggets should be able to exploit Orlando’s limited perimeter defense and thin frontcourt rotation, especially as fatigue sets in during the second half.
Nuggets Player Prop Pick: Nikola Jokic over 10.5 assists – Orlando will send help early and often, and Jokic punishes that better than anyone.
Betting Prediction
Denver is favored by seven for good reason. Orlando’s injuries make sustained scoring difficult, and Denver’s pace plus shooting efficiency point toward a higher scoring night.
Final Score: Nuggets 125, Magic 114
Lean: Denver -7.0
Total: Over 237.0
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
