Sat Jan 24 23:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Cavaliers and Magic Set for Defensive Battle in Orlando
The Story:
The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Despite the Cavaliers’ recent success, winning four of their last five games, they are entering the contest as one-point underdogs. The game is anticipated to be a low-scoring affair, with analysts predicting a focus on defensive play from both sides. Injuries plague both teams, potentially influencing the game’s outcome.
Key Points:
- The Cavaliers are one-point underdogs despite recent wins.
- The predicted best bet is Under 228 total points.
- The Magic suffered a significant loss in London to the Memphis Grizzlies (126-109) and were heavily defeated by the Charlotte Hornets (124-97).
- Franz Wagner (ankle) is out for Orlando; Jalen Suggs (knee) is probable.
- Darius Garland (hand) and Max Strus (hand) remain out for Cleveland; Sam Merrill’s (hand) status is uncertain.
- The Under has hit in each of the last four games between these teams at the Kia Center.
- Paolo Banchero has led Orlando in assists in five of the last six games.
- Donovan Mitchell has led the Cavaliers in assists in six of the last eight games.
Key Takeaways:
- Injuries on both teams will likely contribute to a slower-paced, lower-scoring game.
- The Magic’s recent struggles suggest potential offensive challenges despite being at home.
- Past performances indicate a trend towards defensive matchups between these two teams at the Kia Center.
- Player props, such as Evan Mobley’s rebounds, Desmond Bane’s three-pointers, Paolo Banchero and Donovan Mitchell assist numbers provide specific insight into key player match-ups.