The New Orleans Pelicans, struggling through a dismal season, head to Florida to face the Orlando Magic in a Southeast Division matchup. The Pelicans have been plagued by injuries and poor performance, while the Magic are holding steady in the Eastern Conference playoff picture despite some key absences. This game represents an opportunity for Orlando to build momentum at home against a depleted opponent. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the key elements for this contest.
Venue Location
The game will be played at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. This state-of-the-art arena, formerly known as the Amway Center, has a capacity of over 18,000 and serves as the home court for the Magic. It’s located in downtown Orlando and is known for its vibrant atmosphere during Magic games.
Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET (2:00 PM CT). The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Florida and Gulf Coast Sports, with streaming options available via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with significant injuries, but the Pelicans’ situation is particularly dire, contributing to their poor record.
New Orleans Pelicans:
Jose Alvarado (PG): Out – Left oblique soreness. Expected to miss at least until January 13.
Herbert Jones (SF): Out – Right ankle sprain. Ruled out for this game and potentially longer.
Saddiq Bey (SF): Doubtful – Right hip flexor strain. Has missed the last five games and is unlikely to play.
Dejounte Murray (PG): Out – Right Achilles rupture. Long-term absence, no return timeline.
The Pelicans’ backcourt and wing depth are severely compromised, forcing heavier reliance on stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
Orlando Magic:
Jalen Suggs (SG): Out – Right knee injury. Ruled out for this matchup.
Colin Castleton (C): Out – Thumb injury/G League assignment. Not expected to play.
Tristan da Silva (F): Day-to-day – Undisclosed. Could play but status uncertain.
Franz Wagner (SF): Out – Undisclosed injury (sustained around December 8). Has been sidelined for multiple games.
Moe Wagner (PF): Probable – Returning from ACL tear. Expected to make his season debut, providing a boost off the bench.
The Magic’s perimeter defense takes a hit without Suggs and Wagner, but Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. remain healthy to anchor the lineup.
Key Player Matchups
This game features intriguing battles, particularly in the frontcourt, where physicality and scoring will be tested. With injuries, some matchups may shift to bench players.
Zion Williamson (Pelicans PF) vs. Paolo Banchero (Magic PF): The marquee matchup. Williamson’s explosive drives and finishing (averaging high points recently) against Banchero’s versatile scoring (recently 11-of-19 shooting in a key game). Banchero’s length could challenge Zion inside, but Williamson’s power might overwhelm if Orlando’s help defense is slow.
Brandon Ingram (Pelicans SF) vs. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Magic SG/SF): Ingram’s mid-range scoring vs. KCP’s tenacious defense. With Franz Wagner out, Caldwell-Pope may draw this assignment, potentially limiting Ingram’s efficiency.
Trey Murphy III (Pelicans SF) vs. Jett Howard or Gary Harris (Magic Wing): Murphy has been hot (35 points in a recent game), providing spacing for New Orleans. Orlando’s wings will need to contest his threes, especially with Suggs sidelined.
CJ McCollum (Pelicans PG) vs. Anthony Black (Magic PG): With Murray and Alvarado out, McCollum handles point duties against Black’s emerging defense. This could be a scoring opportunity for McCollum if Black struggles.
Overall, the Pelicans’ offense hinges on Williamson and Ingram exploiting mismatches, while the Magic lean on Banchero and bench depth like Moe Wagner’s return.
Recent Team Forms
New Orleans Pelicans: The Pelicans are in freefall, going 1-9 in their last 10 games. Their most recent outing was a 100-117 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, highlighting defensive woes (allowing 122.3 points per game in losses). Offensively, they’ve relied on outbursts from Williamson (31 points recently) and Murphy (35 points), but injuries have decimated their depth. Last 5: L-L-L-L-W (win against a weak opponent earlier).
Orlando Magic: The Magic have been inconsistent but solid at home, posting a 3-2 record in their last 5 games. They recently lost 91-103 to the Philadelphia 76ers but won a close 104-103 thriller against the Brooklyn Nets prior. Shooting efficiency (46.6% in wins) and defense have been keys, though injuries have forced role players like Banchero (averaging high points) to carry the load. Last 10: Around 5-5, with wins against mid-tier teams.
Series History
All-time, the Orlando Magic hold a 29-20 edge over the New Orleans Pelicans in 49 regular-season meetings. However, the Pelicans have had recent success, winning 4 of the last 5 encounters (including strong performances in the 2024-25 season). In their most recent matchup, New Orleans edged out Orlando, with key contributions from their frontcourt. At the Kia Center, Orlando has a slight home advantage historically, but the Pelicans’ stars have performed well there. This season’s earlier game (if any) isn’t detailed, but trends favor New Orleans in close games.
Betting Trends
Magic are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall but 3-2 straight up. Pelicans are 2-8 ATS in their last 10, covering only against weak teams. Orlando is 9-5 ATS when scoring over 122 points, but Pelicans’ road games often go under. Historically, under has hit in 3 of last 5 head-to-heads.
Game Odds
New Orleans Pelicans 234
Orlando Magic – 6
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 10, 2026
