Minnesota Timberwolves vs Orlando Magic Picks and Prediction for Friday October 23 2026
The Minnesota Timberwolves will extend their season opening stay in Florida when they face the Orlando Magic. Tipoff is scheduled for Friday October 23, 2026 at 7:00 pm EST. The game will be streamed on NBA League Pass from the Kia Center. The Timberwolves are a small 1.5 point road favorite and the total is set at 239.5. Be ready for all of this season's NBA action with our free NBA picks.
Minnesota makes a statement on opening night
The Minnesota Timberwolves have advanced to at least the Western Conference semifinals in three consecutive seasons and are not content. The Timberwolves (49-33) shipped out Julius Randle and Naz Reid in separate deals, while bringing in talented G LaMelo Ball. On Wednesday, Minnesota knocked down 21 three-pointers during a 131-106 road triumph against Miami.
All-Star G Anthony Edwards poured in a game-high 45 points on a 16-for-29 shooting performance and secured ten boards. LaMelo Ball chipped in 21 points (5-13 3PT) and six assists. Jaden McDaniels added 17 points (8-11 FG) and eight rebounds for the Timberwolves.
Last season, the Timberwolves ranked sixth in the league in defensive efficiency and allowed 114.6 points per game. During Wednesday’s road victory, Minnesota C Rudy Gobert grabbed 15 rebounds and finished with a plus 29 rating. The Timberwolves dominated the Heat on the glass by a 52-34 margin.
Orlando needs to improve on offense
The Orlando Magic took top-seeded Detroit to seven games in the first round and are in search of their first playoff series victory since 2010. Jamahl Mosley was fired and the Magic named San Antonio assistant Sean Sweeney as their 16th head coach in franchise history. On opening night, Orlando missed 27 of 40 three-point attempts during a 132-125 home loss versus Atlanta.
Former number one overall draft pick Paolo Banchero tallied a game-high 35 points (10-12 FG), ten assists, and seven rebounds. Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. scored 22 points each on a combined 17-for-30 shooting effort. Desmond Bane added 18 points (3-10 3PT) and five boards for the Magic.
Three-point shooting continues to be an issue for the Magic, who finished 19th in offensive efficiency a season ago. The talented forward duo of Banchero and Franz Wagner shoot a career 32 percent from behind the arc. Orlando committed 20 turnovers and was outscored 60-50 in the paint.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Orlando Magic Picks and Prediction
Pick: Orlando Magic +1.5
Orlando G Anthony Black (ankle) and F Jonathan Isaac (knee) are not ready to make their season debut. The Magic have dominated this series all-time with a 46-27 record. Orlando defeated Minnesota at home by a 119-92 final score. The Timberwolves were impressive in their season opener, but Anthony Edwards is unlikely to score 45 points again. Take the Magic to bounce back with a home victory.
Pick: Under 239.5
These two teams ranked in the top half of the league in tempo a season ago and the Magic have vowed to play faster for their new head coach. Minnesota ranked sixth in defensive efficiency and has Gobert to protect the rim. The Timberwolves were on fire from long distance during Wednesday's road victory and will see some regression in this spot. Take the under.
Final Score Prediction: Orlando Magic win 119-112