Orlando Magic vs. New Orleans Pelicans Prediction NBA Tips 07.10.24

New Orleans Pelicans betting preview

The New Orleans Pelicans have 49 wins and are hoping to make the playoffs in back-to-back years for the first time since the 2008-09 season. Willie Green is entering his fourth year as head coach. The Pelicans made the move for Dejounte Murray but lost their post presence in Jonas Valanciunas. The Pelicans are an intriguing team in the West, as a foursome of Murray, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson is as good as it gets. The Pelicans also have Jose Alvarado and Herbert Jones on the bench. If Zion stays healthy and Ingram stays committed, the Pelicans can make some noise. There is serious potential.

Since Byron Scott took over as head coach, the Pelicans have not made the playoffs in two consecutive seasons. The talent is there to end the years of mediocrity.

Orlando Magic vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction

That’s a strangely early start for a preseason game, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the game was a bit sluggish. The New Orleans Pelicans get the benefit of the doubt, presumably because they’re at home, but it’s the Magic, who have won seven of their last eight preseason games. Despite making the playoffs last year, the Orlando Magic are still a young team desperate to prove that last season was no fluke. It should be a close game further down the stretch. Give me the bucket with the Magic, a team that has been great in preseason play the last two seasons.