Orlando is sandwiched in the middle of a three-games-in-four-days stretch. The Magic were beaten comfortably 104-89 by the Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday, dropping them to 22-17 this season. Their grasp on the fourth seed in the East is down to a one-game lead.

Prediction for the NBA match which will take place on January 11. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the team conditions! Several betting options are available.

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Having Banchero back in the mix gives the Magic offense a whole new set of weapons. And if he’s able to return to the form he evidenced in the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign, then he should be able to keep the Magic as one of the best teams in the East as the regular season rapidly approaches its mid-point.

Paolo Banchero is not a patient person. The Orlando Magic forward acknowledges that he's been frustrated for much of the last 2 1/2 months while recovering from a torn oblique muscle, one that kept him out of the lineup for 34 games.

Orlando went 19-15 without its franchise player, maintaining its standing in the East despite dealing with several additional injuries.