New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic Picks and Predictions, Sunday, January 11th, 2026
The New Orleans Pelicans (9-31) and the Orlando Magic (21-18) tip off in a non-conference battle on Sunday afternoon in this Pelicans vs. Magic prediction. This is the first of two matchups between these teams this season, as they will not meet again until April. New Orleans is coming off a win in Washington 128-107, easily covering the 3.5-point spread in the process. Orlando just hosted Philly, but fell 103-91 as 3.5-point underdogs. Tipoff is set for 3:00 EST. Keep reading to see our Pelicans vs. Magic prediction, and check out all of our winning NBA Picks
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New Orleans Snaps Nine Game Skid
The New Orleans Pelicans went into their most recent matchup on a nine game losing streak, but were able to pull out a win against the short-handed Wizards. Washington just traded for Trae Young, but the former All-Star did not play with his lingering quad injury, and the Wizards were also without CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert who they traded to Atlanta. New Orleans was able to capitalize and were led by Trey Murphy III with 35 points, and he knocked down seven three pointers in the game.
Murphy is a key piece of the rebuild in New Orleans, he is a 25-year old 6'8 forward who can shoot from deep, and is averaging 21.3 PPG while adding 6.2 RPG and 3.5 APG. He has been hot as of late, scoring 27 or more in each of his last three games, including a 42 point game against the Lakers in a loss. Zion Williamson is healthy at the moment, which is not always a sure bet, but he is coming off a strong performance against the Wizards where he had 31 points on 12-14 shooting. Zion leads the team with 22.4 PPG and adds 5.9 RPG. Derik Queen continues to improve, he had a triple double against Washington and is averaging 12.9 PPG and 7.2 RPG on the year.
Jeremiah Fears is their 19-year old point guard, he is averaging 14.2 PPG, and has been joined in the backcourt by Bryce McGowens who is getting another 8.1 PPG. McGowens has been starting in place of Herb Jones who is battling an ankle injury. The Pelicans are 27th in the league in offensive efficiency and 28th in defensive efficiency according to dunksandthrees.com. New Orleans plays fast, ranking 7th in the league in possessions per game.
Magic Sit in Eighth Place
The Orlando Magic are battling for their playoff positioning early in the season, while their opponent is not in the same situation as the Pelicans are way back in 14th in the West. As for the Magic, they are 8th in the East, but have the goal of making it up to 6th to avoid participating in the Play-In Tournament. Orlando has alternated wins and losses for the past 12 games, winning six, but never winning two in a row in the stretch. If they continue that pattern, they are due for a win as they just lost to Philadelphia.
In the 76ers game, Desmond Bane was the Magic top scorer with 23 points, but went 0-3 from beyond the arc. Bane is in his first season with the Magic after coming over from Memphis, he is averaging 18.9 PPG, and has been reliable as he has played in every game this season. Franz Wagner is their top scorer, but has been in and out of the lineup with injuries. He has played in 24 of the 39 games, and is averaging 22.7 PPG in his appearances. Wagner is a game time decision here with his ankle injury. Paolo Banchero puts up strong numbers with his versatile game, he is averaging 21.1 PPG and leads the team with 8.6 RPG and 4.7 APG.
Anthony Black is their 21-year old guard, he continues to develop his game and is averaging 15.3 PPG as a long 6'7 guard. Against Philadelphia they started Wendell Carter Jr. in the middle, while also playing 21-year old forward Noah Penda. The Magic rank 23rd in offensive efficiency and 11th in defensive efficiency. Orlando plays slower than New Orleans, ranking 17th in the league in pace of play.
Injury Report for Pelicans vs. Magic:
Pelicans:
- Out: Dejounte Murray, Saddiq Bey
- Questionable: Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado
Magic:
- Out: Jalen Suggs, Mortiz Wagner
- Questionable: Franz Wagner, Tristan da Silva
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Pelicans vs. Magic Picks and Predictions
Spread pick for Pelicans vs. Magic
- Pelicans to cover (5 units)
The Pelicans snapped out of their losing ways in their last game, and showed they can still be competitive when they have Zion, Murphy and Queen all on the floor. Zion and Murphy each had over 30 points, while Derik Queen continued to show his all around game with a triple double in the win. This strategy will work against Orlando, as the Magic are without Moritz Wagner, and two other forwards are listed as questionable in Franz Wagner and Tristan da Silva. Banchero cannot battle all three Pelicans forwards on his own, and New Orleans will have the advantage in the middle. Orlando plays slow, which will allow the Pelicans to stay in striking distance, take the points with the Pelicans.
Take New Orleans to cover.
Over/Under Pick for Pelicans vs. Magic
- Under (4 units)
If you are looking for fast paced action, you came to the wrong game. This will be a slow game, Orlando plays at a slow pace naturally as they are 17th in the league in pace of play. They will slow it down even more with Suggs and Franz Wagner out of the lineup, as they are two of the best transition scorers on the team. Orlando will need more out of Banchero, but his game is more suited for the half court, where he can isolate opposing bigs and attack the basket. New Orleans will be willing to slow it down here as well, as they want to work the ball to their frontcourt players where they will have an advantage here.
Take the under.
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