The Orlando Magic have won just four times and covered the spread once over their last 10 games, and the task won’t get any easier when they host the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.
My Nuggets vs. Magic predictions call for the visiting team to cover a modest spread, fueled by another stat-stuffing performance from Nikola Jokic.
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Here are my best NBA picks for this cross-conference matchup on December 27.
Nuggets vs Magic prediction
Nuggets vs Magic best bet: Nikola Jokic to record a triple-double (-125)
Nikola Jokic leads the Association with a whopping 15 triple-doubles in 30 appearances, and he’s fresh off a historic 56/16/15 Christmas Day performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jokic has recorded a triple-double in half of his games overall, and he’s reached that milestone in four of his last six outings. He ranks fifth in the Association in points per game (29.8), second in rebounds per game (12.1), and first in assists per game (11).
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The points and assists are career highs, and he’s averaging a triple-double for the second straight season.
The Denver Nuggets will once again be without Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cameron Johnson, which means even more responsibility for Jokic as a scorer, rebounder, and facilitator.
He posted a triple-double when he faced the Orlando Magic last Thursday, and I won’t bet against him reaching that statistical milestone for the 16th time this season.
Jokic is just two triple-doubles away from tying Oscar Robertson for second on the all-time triple-double leaderboard, and I expect him to get one game closer tonight.
Nuggets vs Magic same-game parlay
The Nuggets lead the NBA in game total Over percentage, hitting the Over in 20 of 30 games. That includes an NBA-high 10-5 mark on the road. The Magic are 16-15 to the Over, including a 1-0 mark as the home underdog.
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Despite both teams missing key players, I expect a high-scoring contest.
Denver is 12-3 straight up on the road and 9-6 ATS. The Nuggets have covered in eight of 13 games as the road favorite.
The Magic are just 6-9 ATS as the home team. Orlando covered in its one game as the home underdog, but the Magic are playing the second leg of a back-to-back set, and the Nuggets have the best player in the world. I’ll back Denver to cover.
Nuggets vs Magic SGP
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Nikola Jokic to record a triple-double
Our “from downtown” SGP: Black Saturday
Anthony Black has shone with additional opportunities for the injured Magic. Over his last four games, Black has averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, good for 30.4 PRA.
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Black has logged 35.3 minutes per game in that span, and he should continue to see significant minutes and big production with Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs out of action.
Nuggets vs Magic SGP
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Nikola Jokic to record a triple-double
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Anthony Black Over 22.5 points + rebounds + assists
Nuggets vs Magic odds
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Spread: Nuggets -4 (-110) | Magic +4 (-110)
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Moneyline: Nuggets -180 | Magic +150
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Over/Under: Over 235 (-110) | Under 235 (-110)
Nuggets vs Magic betting trend to know
The Denver Nuggets have hit the moneyline in 24 of their last 38 away games (+18.25 Units / 24% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Magic.
How to watch Nuggets vs Magic
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Location |
Kia Center, Orlando, FL |
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Date |
Saturday, December 27, 2025 |
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Tip-off |
7:00 p.m. ET |
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TV |
Altitude, FDSN Florida |
Nuggets vs Magic latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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