Two teams looking to stay above the play-in tournament cutoff will face off tonight as the Orlando Magic play host to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Orlando hasn’t been doing enough to cash in for bettors lately, and I’ll be taking Philadelphia to cover in my 76ers vs. Magic predictions.
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Keep reading to see all my thoughts on tonight’s matchup and get my free NBA picks for Friday, January 9.
76ers vs Magic prediction
76ers vs Magic best bet: 76ers -4 (-110)
The Philadelphia76ers are playing some of their best basketball of the season, having won four of their last five games.
The reason for this success isn’t a secret, either. Their three stars – Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George – are all healthy and finally seem to be finding chemistry. The Sixers also have a fair amount of depth beyond those big names, with contributors like VJ Edgecombe (16.4 PPG) chipping in on many nights.
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The Orlando Magic are stuck in a pattern of alternating wins and losses over their last 12 games, most recently scoring a one-point win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Paolo Banchero continues to keep Orlando above water – he hit the winning three to end Wednesday’s game in overtime – but the Magic are suffering from Franz Wagner’s continued absence, as he’s still dealing with an ankle injury. Jalen Suggs (15.0 PPG) will also miss tonight’s game with a knee injury.
At a baseline, these teams have played similarly this season, but we’re dealing with a healthy Philadelphia squad tonight coming into its own against a hobbled Magic lineup.
Orlando has only covered twice in its last 13 games, and I don’t see it overcoming its injuries tonight.
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76ers vs Magic same-game parlay
Philadelphia has hit the Over in five of their last six games, playing above tonight’s number in all six. I’m also picking George (15.8 PPG) to hit his scoring Over at 13.5 points, a target he’s cleared in three of his last five games.
76ers vs Magic SGP
Paul George Over 13.5 points
Our “from downtown” SGP: Banchero Harnesses the Deep Ball
Banchero has been shooting the ball more regularly from deep over the past two weeks and has hit at least two threes in three of his last six games
76ers vs Magic SGP
Paul George Over 13.5 points
Paolo Banchero Over 1.5 threes
76ers vs Magic odds
Spread: 76ers -4 (-110) | Magic +4 (-110)
Moneyline: 76ers -170 | Magic +145
Over/Under: Over 227 (-110) | Under 227 (-110)
76ers vs Magic betting trend to know
The Magic are 3-15 ATS in their last 18 games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Magic.
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How to watch 76ers vs Magic
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Friday, January 9, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSP, FDSN FL
76ers vs Magic latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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