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Orlando is 2-5, and now it’s without Paolo Banchero for four to six weeks, plus Jalen Suggs. Phoenix is 1-5, and Portland just beat it at home last night. Somebody has to win this thing. Going with the board, which has the Suns as a small favorite almost everywhere, and taking the point and a half where it’s on offer. Suns.
The Matchup
- Orlando’s injury list. Banchero (high ankle), Suggs (knee), Noah Penda (hamstring) and Jonathan Isaac are all out. The Magic have lost two straight at home, 108-97 to Boston and 103-94 to Washington. Franz Wagner had 24 points in that loss to the Wizards, and Desmond Bane 20.
- Phoenix’s start. The Suns are 1-5, and the one win was 131-122 over Golden State. Devin Booker scored 33 in last night’s 132-119 loss to Portland. Mark Williams is out after shoulder surgery.
- Rest. Phoenix is on the second night of a back-to-back. Orlando last played Monday.
- Tip-off. 9:00 PM ET, 7:00 in Phoenix, at Mortgage Matchup Center.
The Number
With Banchero out, last season’s numbers don’t know this Orlando team, so I’m riding with the market. It has Phoenix as a small home favorite. We grabbed the Suns at plus a point and a half this morning; that’s gone now, and Phoenix is laying a point or a point and a half everywhere. Same side either way.
What scares me: Phoenix is tired, 1-5, and lost its opener in Portland by 41. It’s a Lean, and win or lose, it lands on the receipts page.
Bottom Line
Take the Suns at . Lean. The healthier team, at home, with points. Valley.
Lines as of Thursday morning. Confirm them before tip.
Same-Game Parlay
Two legs, one story. If Phoenix covers, Orlando’s offense dried up without Banchero, and Desmond Bane has stayed under 20.5 points in five of seven games. Both legs ride on the same game, so it’s one bet, not two.
The anglePhoenix covers and Bane can't carry Orlando.
Build it at BetMGM →BetMGM prices same-game parlays in its own builder, so there is no price here. Build the legs there and check the number before you place it.
Price: check your sportsbook for SGP pricing. Confirm lines before you build the ticket. This parlay is a Game Pick. Player props not available in all states.
Best Prop for This Game
One more way to play it, and we start from the under. It’s a Game Pick prop, a separate bet from the spread, so keep it small.
He’s a role player on a tired team, and Booker and Jalen Green take the shots.
- TrendUnder 9.5 in four of six games, with 3 and 2 in his last two
- MatchupSecond night of a back-to-back
Prices checked Thursday morning. Prop prices move fast, so confirm them before you bet. Player props not available in all states.
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