Nets vs. Magic: Preview, Odds, and Key Players to Watch for Friday’s NBA Matchup

The Brooklyn Nets are set to face the Orlando Magic on Friday, October 25, at 7:00 PM ET at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The Magic, who opened their season with a convincing 116-97 victory over the Miami Heat, are looking to build on their strong start. In contrast, the Nets are seeking their first win after a narrow 120-116 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in their season opener.

The Orlando Magic, led by Paolo Banchero, are favored in this matchup. Banchero, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, had a stellar performance in the season opener with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. His dominance is expected to continue, posing a significant challenge for the Nets.

The Nets will rely heavily on Cameron Thomas, who had a remarkable season opener with 36 points on 14-of-27 shooting from the field and 7-of-13 from three-point range. Thomas’s performance will be crucial if the Nets are to stay competitive against the Magic’s strong defense, which was the third-best in the NBA last season.

From a betting perspective, the Magic are significant favorites, with a spread of -11.5 points and a moneyline of -621. The over/under is set at 215.5 points. The SportsLine Projection Model, which has a strong track record of NBA picks, is leaning towards the under and has generated a point-spread pick that hits in almost 70% of simulations.

The Nets face several challenges, including injuries to key players such as Bojan Bogdanovic, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Trendon Watford. Additionally, Jonathan Isaac, Mac McClung, and Trevelin Queen are listed as questionable, which could further weaken the Nets’ lineup.

The game will be streamed on FuboTV and broadcast on SNY and Bally Sports Florida, offering multiple viewing options for fans.