Orlando Magic @ Denver Nuggets
Spread: DEN -16.5
O/U: 212.5
Available Magic Players (eight)
Wendell Carter Jr.
Injuries
Nuggets
Monte Morris - IN
We saw what happened the last time -- literally yesterday -- that the Magic played short-handed. They lost by 50 to Utah. This Denver team is very good, just like Utah, so Orlando is in serious trouble. Here’s the thing, it’s hard to trust many Denver members because their starters won’t see the fourth quarter here and even most of the third. That makes me really interested in the Orlando side.
CPT/MVP
Obviously if this game stays competitive, Jokic has more upside than anybody on both of these teams. Maybe as much as anyone else in the league. He could have a triple-double by half, if we’re being honest. I will say, he hasn’t looked as great since the arrival of Aaron Gordon .
Wendell Carter Jr.
We know Carter is a talented kid, that’s why Orlando targeted him in a trade including their best player, and he’s showing the more he is unleashed. He’s now topped 30 minutes in each of the last two games and each contest has resulted in a double-double in which he’s put up 40 DKP. Both in tough match-up’s against Steven Adams and Rudy Gobert , so he’s prepared for another strong interior defense in Nikola Jokic . Carter leads the Magic in FP/min over the last five games at 1.24.
Last night’s game in Utah showed that Okeke is going to play big minutes regardless of outcome and he continues to produce each time out. He’s topped 28 minutes in five straight, 30 in four-of-five and has put up 28+ DKP in each of those games. His 1.03 FP/min average over that span is extremely intriguing for this showdown slate.
Mid-Tier
Michael Porter Jr.
This young kid has been in a really nice groove lately averaging 21.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 39.3 DKP/game over his last four. He has topped 30 DKP in 10 straight games and has a 30-point outing against the Magic already this year.
Who’s into revenge narratives? Gordon was drafted by the Magic and spent seven seasons with the team before being traded to Denver. He had his biggest game to date with the team last time out and you know he’ll be looking to show his old team what’s good this evening.
Even in a blowout loss, Ross played 26 minutes last night. His shot was not falling as he went just 2-for-11 from the floor, but we know he’s never seen a shot he doesn’t like and if it begins to fall, he’s really unstoppable sometimes. Ross should be this teams offensive leader on a nightly basis now that the ankle seems healthier. At least healthy enough he can play 26-plus minutes a night.
Value Tier
He has to be the top value of the slate. I’d even consider him a captain if you want to get crazy. He’s in the starting lineup and the only other point-guard on the roster -- Chasson Randle -- is limited. Hampton played 31 minutes on Saturday night and nearly double-doubled while putting up 28 DKP. Easily the top value on the board and likely the chalkiest.
With this game likely out of hand early, Campazzo should see plenty of garbage run. He’s already in the rotation for 20 minutes a night, but this could be one where he’s closing in on 30. He’s not always someone who’s looking for his offense first, but will set his teammates up well enough where he could find himself 10 assists when given the run.