Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 8:00 PM

Smoothie King Center in New Orleans

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The Orlando Magic will visit the Smoothie King Center to face the New Orleans Pelicans. This season opener could be tough for the Magic with the Pelicans being a slight favorite in this matchup. The Pelicans succeeded where the Magic failed by taking down both the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks in the preseason.
Both teams in this match up were able to beat the Miami Heat this preseason with the Magic winning by seven and the Pelicans with a 12 point victory.

Victor Oladipo, arguably the top defender for the Magic and playmaker, will not play this game due to a facial fracture he suffered in practice. Channing Frye, another key starter for the Magic, will stay on the pine with a sprained knee. This is a young team looking to turn this franchise in the right direction, but it is off to a rocky start.

The New Orleans Pelicans have struggled the past two seasons, but they are hopeful for a turn around season with a break out year for Anthony Davis. Davis is a premier big man with a lot of offensive talent and a defensive focus. Not many players can match up with Davis. Not only is he a top tier player in the NBA, but he also faces limited competition at his position. This is his third NBA season in which he needs to start taking control of games. For the Pelicans to have a successful season, Davis has to realize he is a dominant force and has the power to control the outcome of games. Both teams have a lot to prove this season and it starts on Tuesday night.

Injuries to Watch

Orlando Magic

10/25/14 G Luke Ridnour Quad "?" Tuesday vs. New Orleans
10/25/14 G Ben Gordon Dental/Mouth probable Tuesday vs. New Orleans
10/25/14 C Dewayne Dedmon Foot "?" Tuesday vs. New Orleans
10/24/14 G Victor Oladipo Facial out indefinitely
10/23/14 PF Channing Frye Knee out indefinitely

New Orleans Pelicans

10/23/14 C Anthony Davis Wrist probable Tuesday vs. Orlando

Tony's Pick: Take New Orleans

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Tony Sink