I want to be clear about something. If I mention Joel Embiid in a positive way in terms of that's why I am betting the Sixers, I've clearly taken the wrong medication. I will never, ever mention that dude again in that regard. He actually went through shootaround today to drop this number and then of course ruled out. How can I go to shootarounds and sit on NBA benches and do nothing else and get paid 40 mil a year? Ah, I'm not 7-foot-1. Yes, I'm very, very bitter about guys like Embiid and Paul George (also out tonight). But 4.5 seems a shade high for Orlando on the road still down Paolo Banchero. I was hoping for 5 but guess not. Half unit.

We can excuse the Magic for Sunday afternoon's loss at Boston, a wicked bit of scheduling in a back-to-back after beating the Knicks at Kia Center less than 24 hours earlier. Orlando's season had turned around prior with wins in six of seven, much of that minus Paolo Banchero (groin; still sidelined), but able to benefit from offseason add Desmond Bane (22 ppg last five) beginning to feel comfy in his new surroundings, plus G Jalen Suggs avoiding the injury room. Speaking of injury rooms, Philly's version is overloaded these days with Joel Embiid and Paul George (again) out, and exciting Baylor rookie G VJ Edgecombe (calf) also in the infirmary tonight. Play Magic.

Quentin Grimes has gone over this line in three of his last four with his low being 14 points. He has played at least 32 minutes with at least 10 FGAs. The line is not higher because Paul George (and Joel Embiid) are listed as probable and questionable respectively. But I'm never going to assume both will play and if they do that both will play starters minutes with starters usage. Grimes is averaging 17.2 this season and has scored 15+ points in 9 of 15 games and we are projecting him for his 'normal' '25-26 game in his normal 30 minutes and 12ish FGAs.