NBA
2026-01-11 · Evening Edition
LOSS
Pelicans vs. Magic
Under 234.5
ANALYSIS
Our projected 6.2-point gap below the total is solidified by an extensive injury report that has sidelined primary offensive engines Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs for Orlando, as well as Dejounte Murray and Herbert Jones for New Orleans. These absences exacerbate the Pelicans' league-worst 33.6% three-point shooting and align with the Magic’s bottom-five pace (97.4) and elite defensive structure. With both rosters missing multiple backcourt playmakers, we expect a sluggish half-court struggle that falls well short of this inflated 234.5 line.
Key Data
Defensive Rating: 2nd, Pace: 97.4, Pelicans TS%: 54.1%
OUTCOME
Pelicans 118 - Magic 128
Both teams emphasized defensive transition, resulting in only 10 combined fast-break points. Orlando's 28% shooting from three-point range further limited the scoring ceiling, keeping the total well below the high line.
FULL BREAKDOWN
Listen to the Evening Episode →
Full analysis and discussion of this pick in the 2026-01-11 evening edition.