The Brooklyn Nets will be back at it on Saturday night against the Orlando Magic, but they’ll now be without Kevin Durant, who is the eighth player to enter the league’s health and safety protocols. This has all of a sudden become a real game.
The Nets have won four straight and are in first place in the Eastern Conference with a 21-8 record, while the Magic are in 14th place with a 5-25 record.
Although Brooklyn has been winning despite the multiple absences, that’s mostly been because of the MVP frontrunner going off each and every night. Durant scored 34 games in wins over Toronto and Philadelphia this week, and that was after he dropped 51 against Detroit on Sunday.
Then again, the Nets’ rookies have made the most out of their time in the spotlight. Both Kessler Edwards and David Duke Jr. had double-doubles in Tuesday’s win over the Raptors.
Brooklyn has beaten Orlando twice this season, once on Nov. 10 (123-90) and again on Nov. 19 (115-113). The Magic are on a seven-game losing streak and haven’t won a game since Dec. 1. Could a Nets team of eight players (they added James Ennis on Thursday) still beat the Magic?
Brooklyn Nets vs. Orlando Magic betting odds, spread, over/under
According to WynnBET, the Nets are -5.5 (-110, bet $110 to win $100) favorites despite all of the COVID-related absences and are a fairly overwhelming -220 (bet $220 to win $200) on the moneyline. The Magic are +185 (bet $100 to win $185) on the moneyline. The over/under is set at 212.5.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Orlando Magic prediction
If the Magic lose to a battered Nets roster that’s hardly going to be able to rest anyone, then they’re really, really bad.
If there’s a time to bet against the Nets, it’s now. If you’ve been waiting for this moment, then have at it!
Magic +185 and under 212.5
Brooklyn Nets vs. Orlando Magic TV channel
The Nets-Magic game won’t be nationally broadcast, but it will be available on the local YES Network for those who are in the Brooklyn area.
Brooklyn Nets schedule and upcoming games
Brooklyn will play two more games at the Barclays Center before heading to Oregon for a west coast road trip.
Dec. 19 vs. Denver
Dec. 21 vs. Washington
Dec. 23 at Portland
Dec. 25 at Los Angeles
Nets rookie showcase could improve Brooklyn’s trade deadline prospects
The Brooklyn Nets were down to eight players against the Raptors, but their rookies used their opportunity to showcase their talents.