Toronto Raptors vs Orlando Magic Prediction

Two Eastern Conference sides with losing records clash in the early hours on Monday, as Nick Nurse's Toronto Raptors (7-12) entertain the Orlando Magic (8-12) next.

Both are enduring losing streaks too: the Sacramento Kings halted Toronto's rousing fourth-quarter comeback during a 126-124 thriller which extended their record to three straight defeats. At the same time, Orlando was blasted out of the water emphatically at home against the Clippers.

Whose disappointing recent run will finally come to an end here at the Amalie Arena? Read my basketball preview, for the best betting odds ahead of this compelling H2H matchup.

Toronto Raptors vs Orlando Magic Preview

Harrison Barnes said things are finally starting to turn in the right direction, and it's difficult to argue with him. He scored 26 points, had seven rebounds and five assists as Sacramento did just enough to squeeze past the Raptors last time out.

"There's some joy in being in these games and winning, but there's no time to sit back and relax. We have to keep that edge and keep hustling."

They haven't lost since January 20, and it's no wonder, as Luke Walton had three starters with 20 points or more and efficient bench production too.

De'Aaron Fox had 24 points, Buddy Hield 22 (five 3 PM), while there were big numbers from Hassan Whiteside (16 pts, 9 rebs), Cory Joseph (16 pts) and rookie guard Tyrese Haliburton (10 pts, 11 assists). They shot 55% overall, which helped mask a rough fourth-quarter where they had nine turnovers.

Pascal Siakam scored 32 points for the Raptors, while Fred VanVleet had 26 points, six assists, and four steals. Siakam posted his second-most efficient shooting display of the campaign so far, though the 26-year-old was left annoyed by their sloppy start though:

"We didn't play well enough in the first-half and you don't do that in this league. We did a pretty good coming back, but you can't get behind like that."

Kyle Lowry echoed that sentiment afterwards, having sported an incredulous look after being ejected with 4 seconds left in the fourth. He highlighted the 55% opponent FG, said they gave up too many easy things and allowed Sacramento to get to their spots - struggling defensively.

How will they fare this time? It was a rough shooting night across the board for Orlando as they were outscored in each quarter but the first against Ty Lue's Clippers last time out.

Terrence Ross had 24 points in 23 minutes on 12 shots. Between Aaron Gordon, All-Star centre Nikola Vucevic and veteran shooting guard Evan Fournier, they combined for 27 on 36 shots.

Those inefficient shooting numbers will surely change.

Toronto Raptors vs Orlando Magic Betting Tips

ESPN's Basketball Power Index isn't sitting on the fence with this matchup, and it's no surprise when you look closer at the numbers - Toronto are 3-to-1 favourites (75.8%) to improve their home record, against an Orlando team with just two wins in their last 12 matches to date.

They score more (111.1 PPG) at a higher efficiency rate (43.9% FG), record two more team assists, blocks and 1.7 more steals per game too.

OG Anunoby and Norman Powell are important players, both listed as day-to-day so might not feature - but that shouldn't matter much to a team fighting hard as they build from a sluggish start to the regular season. As such, I'm predicting a home victory too.