After a close defeat to the Toronto Raptors on the road in their season opener, the Cleveland Cavaliers came back with a vengeance in their second game of the year, as they beat down the Chicago Bulls in Chicago 128-96 on Saturday night.
The Cavaliers have been without Darius Garland since near the end of the first half in Toronto because of an eye injury, and he should be back later this week, but the group has looked sharp for elongated stretches, even still.
Now, it was probably harder than it needed to be late, in fairness; either way, the Cavaliers did win against the Washington Wizards in overtime on Sunday night, and there’s plenty for fans to excited about. Donovan Mitchell is off to a historic start with his new team, the bench play has been strong, and the defense and grit of Jarrett Allen has been on display throughout these early-season outings.
So, what’s next on the docket for the Cavaliers? Their first matchup of the season with the Orlando Magic, with this one in the friendly confinds of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Wednesday night.
The Magic are a young squad looking for their first win of the 2022-23 campaign, but three of those contests have been close, prior to Orlando’s 115-102 loss at the New York Knicks on Monday night. That one was close for much of it, too, but a big third quarter from New York was ultimately the difference, and the Magic are dealing with their share of injuries to the backcourt, not making things easier for a young squad.
With the housekeeping out of the way, then, let’s take a look at the odds, injuries and lineups outlook for Wednesday’s contest.
Cavaliers-Magic: Odds, spread and over/under
According to FanDuel, in this matchup, the Cavaliers are favored by 8.5 points over the Magic. The moneyline for Cleveland is set for -360 and for Orlando is +290.
The over/under total is 214.5, which may be a bit low on the surface, but is probably about right with Orlando’s injuries.
Cavaliers-Magic: Injury report
Cavs injuries: Darius Garland (out, eye); Ricky Rubio (out, knee); Dylan Windler (out, ankle); Isaiah Mobley (out, G-League assignment).
Magic injuries: Jonathan Isaac (out, knee); Markelle Fultz (out, toe); Jalen Suggs (out, ankle); Gary Harris (out, knee); Moritz Wagner (out, foot).
Cavaliers-Magic: Projected starting lineups
Cavs starters: Donovan Mitchell, Isaac Okoro/Caris LeVert, Caris LeVert/Cedi Osman, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Magic starters: Cole Anthony, Terrence Ross, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.
Cavaliers-Magic: Prediction
In this one, I would expect Orlando to put up a solid effort. The Magic have, as we alluded to, lost in all four of their games so far, but they’ve been right in three of those games, for the most part.
This Orlando team also has a very talented young frontcourt trio of Wagner, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, in Banchero, and Carter. I’d expect the Magic to be relatively in this one for three quarters, especially with Garland out, and while we know the Cavaliers have Mobley and Allen, this Magic group is definitely a formidable one.
That said, I could foresee Cleveland’s bench depth again coming up big here, with how Cedi Osman (who seems likely to come off the play again) has been feeling it, and Kevin Love I’d expect to be due for a nice night on Wednesday.
I could also foresee the Cavs’ drivers, along with Allen’s presence inside, leading to some foul trouble as the game wears on for players like Carter here.
Generally, I do expect the Magic to have a respectable game through three, but eventually, I could foresee a fourth quarter where the Cavaliers assert their will at home with a big run. Given that, I’ll take the Cavs here, even with a sizeable spread, and will go with the over.
Prediction: Cavs 114, Magic 104
The Bet: Cavs -8.5, OVER
How to watch or stream Cavs-Magic:
This one will be available for those in-market and subscribed on Bally Sports Ohio, and Bally Sports Florida. For fans without those options and/or out of market, NBA League Pass will have this contest.
As for a streaming option for this Cavs-Magic outing, here’s a link for a FuboTV free trial.
Cavs upcoming schedule:
After Cleveland’s game on Wednesday night versus Orlando, the Cavaliers will head to Boston to take on the Celtics on Friday night, and the Wine and Gold will follow that up with a home game against the New York Knicks on Sunday night.
From there, the Cavaliers will face the Celtics for the second time in three contests, with that matchup being in Cleveland next Wednesday night, in what is now set to be a national TV game featured on ESPN.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.