Analyzing the Timberwolves vs Magic Matchup: Odds, Predictions, and Player Props for January 9th

• The Minnesota Timberwolves finish a mini two-game road trip against the Orlando Magic on Thursday
• Orlando has alternated wins and losses in its last six, upsetting the Knicks on the road last time out
• Below, see the Timberwolves vs Magic odds, predictions, and player props on Jan. 9

The NBA schedule-makers didn’t do the Minnesota Timberwolves (19-17, 9-10 away, 14-21-1 ATS) any favors early in the New Year. Minnesota alternated home and away games for seven straight matchups before their current two-game road trip, which culminates with a date against the Orlando Magic (22-16, 13-5 home, 20-17-1 ATS) on Thursday night at the Kia Center (7:10 pm ET). With the Magic still battling injuries to their four leading scorers, the T-Wolves have been set as 7.5-point road favorites in Thursday’s NBA odds.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Orlando Magic Odds

Minnesota is priced as -250 on the moneyline in the Timberwolves vs Magic odds, with Orlando coming back as +200 home underdogs. The game total is at a eye-poppingly low 199.5. This is the first time this season a Minnesota game has had a total lower than 211.5. Orlando games average the fewest points in the NBA (208.4) and the Magic have seen several totals under 210, but 199.5 also represents a season-low for the Magic, and indeed the NBA as a whole. 

 Odds as of Jan. 9 at BetMGM. New users can claim a BetMGM promo code to get a bonus for Thursday’s NBA games and to enroll in the BetMGM rewards program. 

The big news out of Orlando this week is that All-Star Paolo Banchero (29.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 5.6 APG) is nearing return from a two-month absence due to an oblique injury. Banchero is officially listed as questionable for tonight’s game and is expected to play either today or in Orlando’s matchup with Milwaukee tomorrow night.

Even without Banchero and Franz Wagner (24.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 5.7 APG) and Mo Wagner (12.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.4 APG) and Jalen Suggs (16.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.7 APG), the Magic have been able to tread water due to a stunning level of depth. Last time out, they upset the Knicks in New York (103-94), led by 24 points from Cole Anthony and 19 off the bench from Wendell Carter Jr.

Orlando’s perimeter defense was the real MVP in the win, limiting New York to just 4-of-22 from three (18.2%). The Magic sit second in the NBA in Defensive Rating (106.3).

The frustratingly inconsistent Timberwolves enter Thursday on a two-game win streak over the Clippers (108-106 home) and Pelicans (104-97 away), which followed on the heels of three straight Ls to the Thunder (113-105 away), Celtics (118-115 home), and Pistons (119-105 away).

Leading scorer Anthony Edwards (25.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 4.0 APG) is in the midst of his best shooting stretch of the season so far. After dropping  a career-high 53 on 51.6% shooting in the loss to Detroit, he scored 37 in the win over LAC and 32 in the win over New Orleans.

MIN vs ORL Player Props

NBA player props from DraftKings on Jan. 9.

Edwards has the highest point total of the night at 25.5. Curiously, Banchero is listed in the T-Wolves/Magic player props but with totals well below his season averages, both this year and last. Oddsmakers are clearly not expecting him to log heavy minutes in his first game back from injury, if he plays at all.

Note that if Banchero does sit out again tonight, wagers on his player props will be voided.

Timberwolves vs Magic Prediction

Getting the Magic at +200 to win at home against a wildly up-and-down Minnesota team is a steal. That would be the case if Banchero was listed as out, and he’s not. Orlando might have its lone All-Star back tonight in some capacity.

Both of these teams have proven capable of winning or lose to any team on any given night. The one main consistent between them this season is that Orlando has been fantastic at home. That’s been less true lately but they’re only two weeks removed from beating the reigning-champion Celtics at the Kia Center without Banchero or the Wagner brothers.

• Orlando Magic moneyline (+200)
• Banchero over 17.5 points (-110)

The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to take on the Orlando Magic on January 9th in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Both teams have had their fair share of ups and downs this season, making it difficult to predict the outcome of this game. However, by analyzing the odds, predictions, and player props, we can get a better idea of what to expect.

The odds for this game currently favor the Timberwolves, with most sportsbooks giving them a slight edge over the Magic. This could be due to the fact that the Timberwolves have been playing well recently, winning four of their last five games. On the other hand, the Magic have struggled to find consistency this season, which may explain why they are considered the underdogs in this matchup.

In terms of predictions, it’s always difficult to say for sure how a game will play out. However, based on recent performances and overall team talent, it seems likely that the Timberwolves will come out on top in this game. Their strong offense, led by Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, should be able to outscore the Magic and secure a victory.

When it comes to player props, there are a few key players to keep an eye on in this matchup. Karl-Anthony Towns is always a safe bet when it comes to scoring, as he is one of the top offensive players in the league. Look for him to put up big numbers in this game. On the Magic side, Cole Anthony has been a bright spot for the team this season and could have a big impact on the outcome of the game.

Overall, the Timberwolves vs Magic matchup on January 9th is shaping up to be an exciting game with plenty of potential for high-scoring action. While the odds may favor the Timberwolves, anything can happen in basketball, so be sure to tune in and see how it all plays out.