The 2025 NBA play-in tournament kicks off on Tuesday with two crucial matchups. The Orlando Magic host the Atlanta Hawks, followed by the Golden State Warriors taking on the Memphis Grizzlies.
In the first game, the Magic (-5.5, 219.5) and Hawks split their four-game season series, but Orlando’s Paolo Banchero is expected to have a big night against Atlanta. The young forward has consistently surpassed this line in his games against the Hawks (over 30.5 points in all three regular-season matchups). With the Magic boasting an elite defense, it’s unlikely that Banchero will struggle.
Onyeka Okongwu, the Magic’s center, is also a betting favorite to go under 25.5 points and rebounds (-105). However, this might be an unusual spot for him to shine, given Orlando’s slow pace and stingy defense.
The Warriors (-7.5, 227.5) and Grizzlies both finished with identical 48-34 records, but Golden State is expected to have the upper hand in their matchup. The Warriors’ strong defensive performance against centers (allowing the sixth-most rebounds per game) makes it a tough spot for Memphis’ Zach Edey to excel.
Injuries will also play a role on Tuesday. For the Hawks, Trae Young and Clint Capela are out due to injury, while Kobe Bufkin is off to the side with an injury. The Magic’s Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner are listed as out due to injuries of their own.
The Grizzlies’ Brandon Clarke and Jaylen Wells are the only two players on their injury report list.
Source: https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/44684092/nba-betting-four-bets-stand-tuesday-play-games