Image copyright: Getty Images
2023-24 NBA Regular Season
Denver Nuggets v Orlando Magic
Ball Arena
Denver, Colorado
Saturday 6 January 2024
Tip-off at 04:00
Reigning
NBA champions Denver Nuggets will be looking to snap a two-game losing streak to the Orlando Magic when thy meet at the Ball Arena on the morning of Saturday, January 6.
The Nuggets have a good record against the Magic in recent years, winning 12 of their previous 15 encounters, but were on the losing end twice in 2023.
Michael Malone's side are proving to be formidable again this season and sit third in the Western Conference behind the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder with a record of 23-9.
The Northwest Division franchise bounced back from a first defeat in seven games when they beat the Charlotte Hornets 111-93 on January 2.
Jamal Murray led the way for the Nuggets with 25 points, while Aaron Gordon chipped in with 10 points on his return, having missed the last two games after being bitten by a dog on Christmas.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Gordon was back in practice with the rest of his team-mates on December 31 and played with a protective bandage on his right hand.
Murray was happy to see him back on the court, saying: "It's always good having him out there, just his energy on the glass, or catching lobs, playing defense, whatever it is.
"Obviously, he was just trying to get his legs back tonight because he's been out for a while. But just him being around was good. He was embraced by the whole team."
The Magic made an impressive start to the season, racking up 14 wins from their opening 19 games, but they've endured a bit of a slump since then.
A 121-115 loss to the Golden State Warriors on January 4 was their ninth loss since the start of December and Jamahl Mosley's side are in danger of being caught by the Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference.
Mosley sang the praises of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who scored 27 and 25 points respectively to keep his team in the contest up until the final few minutes of the fourth quarter.
"I'll keep saying it. That's why they are both All-Stars to me," Mosley said. "They are trying to make those around them better.
"They show up the right way, trying to play the right way each and every single night, knowing that defenses are tilted towards them... They are playing as hard as they can on both ends, which is what we've asked each individual on this team to do."
Denver Nuggets v Orlando Magic - Head-to-head, Regular Season
Games played: 70
Nuggets wins: 35
Magic wins: 35
Bet on Basketball with Betway
Kick off your
sports betting journey with our exciting Sports Welcome Offer where you’ll get up to R1,000 as a Free Bet when you make your first deposit. Never miss a basket when you bet on all the latest
basketball action with Betway.
Register an account today and bet on various sports such as
soccer,
rugby,
tennis,
basketball,
golf and much more.
Feeling Lucky?
Get ready to experience the thrill of Betgames! Don't miss out on endless fun and stand to win some extra cash! Head to the betway lobby and test your luck with fan favourites, Lucky7 and Dice Duel.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.