Free NBA Picks Today: Orlando Magic vs Washington Wizards 12/30/22

The Washington Wizards (15-21, 5-14 Away) will be looking to extend their winning streak when they are on the road to face the Orlando Magic (13-23, 9-10 Home) on Friday.

Washington outplayed the Phoenix Suns 127-102 at Capital One Arena on Wednesday, their third win in a row. Rui Hachimura had a standout performance with 30 points. The Wizards are 12th in the Eastern Conference.

Orlando lost in blowout fashion on Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena, falling to the Detroit Pistons 121-101. Franz Wagner had 19 points in defeat, carrying the team. The Magic are the 13th seed in the Eastern Conference.

The teams are meeting for the first time this season. Washington swept all four games between the teams last season, the last of which was a 127-110 triumph at Capital One Arena on March 30, their fifth straight head-to-head victory. Kristaps Porzingis led the Wizards with 35 points.

Wagner had 28 points in the loss. Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma, averaging 21.9 and 21.6 points per game, respectively, have led the Wizards in scoring this season. Porzingis also has grabbed 8.9 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Monte Morris is dishing 5.2 assists per game.

Paolo Banchero (20.9 ppg) and Wagner (19.7) have supplied much of the Magic’s offense. Banchero also has recorded 3.9 assists per game. Bol Bol has collected 7.1 rebounds per game. The Wizards are 6-4 in the last 10 visits to Amway Center.

Washington is 4-6 in the last 10 games with an average margin of -0.4 (113.8-114.2). Orlando has a 7-3 record over the last 10, scoring 115.6 points per game on average while allowing 113.2 (+2.4 margin). The Magic are averaging 110.0 ppg for the full season while allowing 113.8.

WIZARDS HOT/COLD

(Last Five | Season Average | Differential)
Points + Rebounds + Assists:
Jordan Goodwin: 8.0 | 14.6 | -6.6
Points per game:
Rui Hachimura: 18.0 | 12.9 | +5.2

MAGIC HOT/COLD

(Last Five | Season Average | Differential)
Points per game:
Paolo Banchero: 15.6 | 20.9 | -5.3
Rebounds per game:
Wendell Carter Jr.: 5.0 | 8.4 | -3.4
Assists per game:
Cole Anthony: 5.8 | 4.4 | +1.4