Orlando Magic vs Phoenix Suns Picks and Prediction for Thursday November 5 2026
Orlando heads to Phoenix on Thursday night for a 9 PM ET game against the Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Neither team has gotten off to the kind of start it wanted, and Phoenix has the added problem of playing Portland on Wednesday before turning around and facing Orlando. The Magic haven’t played since Monday, so they’ve had a little more time to get ready. That’s worth something. Phoenix has the home floor, but I’m not convinced that makes up for the scheduling disadvantage. The NBA season is starting to pick up in action and you should make sure you are in on the action with our free NBA picks.
Orlando Magic Need to Get Their Offense Moving
Orlando is 2-5 after losing 103-94 to Washington on Monday. That’s a frustrating result, especially when you’re playing at home against a team you should be able to compete with. The Magic also lost 108-97 to Boston on Sunday. That’s two straight games where Orlando couldn’t even reach 100 points.
The Magic are averaging 105.7 points while allowing 114.7 per game. That’s a nine-point difference, and it explains a lot about the early record. Orlando hasn’t been scoring efficiently enough, and the defense hasn’t been consistently making up for it. That’s a rough combination, even against a Phoenix team that’s been struggling.
But here’s why I think Orlando has a chance Thursday. The Suns have had defensive problems of their own, and they’re playing on consecutive nights. The Magic should have opportunities to get into the paint and find better shots than they’ve been getting lately. They don’t need to turn into the highest-scoring team in the league. They just need to stop wasting possessions and take advantage of a tired opponent.
Phoenix Suns Have Some Work to Do
Phoenix entered Wednesday at 1-4 after losing 116-113 to Golden State on Monday. The Suns also lost 127-120 to Denver last Friday. That’s 243 points allowed over two games, and it’s difficult to win consistently when you’re giving up that much offense.
The Suns have been competitive in those losses, which is why I’m not completely writing them off. They were within three of Golden State and seven of Denver. That’s close enough to suggest Phoenix can win if it makes a few more plays late. But close losses don’t count for much in the standings, and the Suns need to start getting stops.
The schedule is what concerns me most here. Phoenix has Portland on Wednesday, and then Orlando comes to town Thursday. That’s a quick turnaround, especially for a team that’s already having trouble defensively. If the Suns get into another high-scoring game Wednesday, I wonder how much energy they’ll have left for Orlando.
Orlando Magic vs Phoenix Suns Picks and Prediction
Moneyline Pick: Orlando Magic
I’m taking Orlando. Neither team has been particularly good, so I’m not pretending this is some easy selection. But the Magic have had a couple of days to prepare, while Phoenix has to play Portland the night before. Orlando’s offense has been disappointing, but the Suns have been giving up enough points that this could be a good opportunity to get things going. The home floor helps Phoenix, and the Suns could certainly win if their shooting gets hot. I just like Orlando’s situation a little better. Give me the Magic.
Total Pick: Under 228.0 points
I’m leaning under 228 points, assuming the sportsbook offers that number. Orlando is averaging only 105.7 points per game and hasn’t reached 100 in either of its last two contests. Phoenix has been giving up plenty, so I understand why an over might be tempting. But I don’t trust the Magic to suddenly score 120, and the Suns could be dealing with tired legs after playing Wednesday. If Orlando controls the pace and Phoenix doesn’t get into a shooting rhythm, this could stay comfortably below the number. I’ll take the under.
Final Picks: Orlando Magic Moneyline | Under 228 Points (if available)
Disclaimer: This preview was completed on November 4, 2026. Phoenix’s November 4 game had not been completed when this article was written. Betting odds, injuries, and starting lineups may change before tipoff.