Denver Nuggets vs Orlando Magic Prediction: Top-quality Nuggets take on young Magic

NBA has reached the midseason point and the trade scenarios can fill up the scene as teams look to either shore up their depth or hunt for draft picks or young talents. However, there are teams that remain in such shape that they have taken the league by storm and may quietly pass the deadline One such team appears to be Denver Nuggets and they will take on the Orlando Magic.

The Nuggets enter the game after an impressive 115:103 win against the Clippers away from home as Jamal Murray nabbed 24 points and 8 rebounds. Denver has won five in a row and has acquired 15 victories in the last 18 matches. Thus, thy have reached 29 wins and 13 losses, meaning that they are one of the top teams in the Western Conference. The Nuggets are being led by Jokic once again but this season, their balance has been much more impressive.

Jokic has gotten back his Star teammates Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr, both of who have improved th team on both ends. Aaron Gordon has continued to be a reliable role player whereas Kentaviouc Cadlwell-Pope and Burce Brown have been great balancers while being superb injury covers for either Murray or Porter. Bones Hyland has been solid off the bench and the biggest difference recently has been the defensive end which has cut the opposition’s scoring by 10-15 points compared to earlier.

The Magic comes into the game after losing to the Jazz 108:112 despite a 26 points performance by Franz Wagner. They have won three out of their last six games and in an extended period, they have lost six out of their nine games. However, the Magic has done much better compared to earlier when they had lost 20 and won just five games. They have won 11 of their 18 games. Their record of 27 losses and 16 wins is surely sub-par but they are a rebuilding squad.

The Magic’s strength has been their frontline considering they have two amazing scorers Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero while the duo of Bol Bol and Wendell Carter Jr can be a long-term elite defensive machine. Guard rotations have been a problem considering that the team lacks a reliable off-guard and the Point Guard position has been way too inconsistent. Is getting a Guard the priority in the next draft?

• Nuggets: OUT: Jeff Green, Peyton Watson, Collin Gillespie. PROBABLE: Jamal Murray. QUESTIONABLE: Vlatko Cancar;
• Magic: OUT: Jonathan Isaac, Chuma Okeke. QUESTIONABLE: Gary Harris.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Nikola Jokic(27-34 Points), Franz Wagner(23-26 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Nikola Jokic(12-15 Rebounds), Wendell Carter Jr(9-11 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Nikola Jokic(9-11 Assists), Markelle Fultz(6-8 Assists).

The Nuggets have been unstoppable especially after developing a much more sustainable defense. The Magic will face their share of troubles going up against Jokic but they have the physicality to keep up, however, do they have the skill to do so? The Guard rotations advantage belongs to the Nuggets too and overall the Magic look severely outmatched. I believe the Nuggets will win here and I predict a scoreline of 121:110.