Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies Set for London Encore as NBA Global Games Continue

The National Basketball Association extends its international footprint this Sunday with a highly anticipated regular-season clash between the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies at London’s iconic O2 Arena. This fixture marks the league’s tenth regular-season contest held in the British capital, underscoring the NBA’s ongoing commitment to global expansion and engagement with its burgeoning European fanbase. The transatlantic showdown follows a preceding encounter in Berlin on Thursday, where the Orlando Magic secured a 118-111 victory over the Grizzlies, also covering the spread as 5.5-point favorites.

The Magic arrive in London holding a commendable 23-18 record, positioning them fifth in the competitive Eastern Conference standings. Their season has been characterized by a blend of youthful exuberance and robust defensive play, demonstrating significant progress from previous campaigns. In contrast, the Memphis Grizzlies, currently 17-23, find themselves battling for position in the Western Conference, occupying the 11th spot. Their season has been impacted by injuries and periods of inconsistent form, though the potential return of their star guard, Ja Morant, could provide a much-needed boost.

Tipoff is scheduled for noon ET (5:00 PM GMT) from the sold-out O2 Arena. Early betting lines from DraftKings Sportsbook list the Orlando Magic as 4.5-point favorites. The over/under for total points in the contest is set at 231.5, with money line odds favoring Orlando at -180 and Memphis at +151. These odds reflect the Magic’s stronger season performance and their recent victory in Germany, tempered by the potential re-inclusion of Morant for Memphis.

The Grizzlies’ lineup received a significant boost with the announcement that Ja Morant, who missed the Berlin game due to a calf issue, is listed as probable for Sunday’s contest. Morant’s presence is pivotal for Memphis, as his explosive scoring and playmaking abilities are central to their offensive strategy. His absence in Berlin was palpable, with the Grizzlies struggling to maintain offensive fluidity against Orlando’s disciplined defense. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. shouldered much of the offensive load in Morant’s stead, but the team’s overall efficiency suffered.

Related News :

For the Orlando Magic, their performance in Berlin showcased their balanced attack and defensive prowess. Players such as Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have been instrumental in the Magic’s ascent, providing consistent scoring and playmaking. Their victory in Germany underscored their ability to adapt to international travel and maintain focus, a critical factor given the quick turnaround to the London game. Head Coach Jamahl Mosley’s squad has developed a reputation for suffocating defense and opportunistic offense, often relying on their athleticism and size to dominate opponents. Their current standing in the Eastern Conference is a testament to their collective improvement and strategic development.

The journey from Berlin to London, though geographically short, presents unique challenges for professional athletes, including managing fatigue, sleep cycles, and the psychological demands of back-to-back high-stakes international games. Both coaching staffs will be acutely aware of these factors, potentially influencing rotation decisions and game-day strategies. The experience of playing in front of a passionate European crowd, however, is often cited by players as a motivating factor, adding an extra layer of excitement to these global showcases.

For bettors and enthusiasts seeking an edge, the SportsLine Projection Model, renowned for its accuracy and profitable returns, has meticulously simulated the Magic vs. Grizzlies encounter 10,000 times. This sophisticated model has generated well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past eight-plus seasons. Entering Week 13 of the 2025-26 NBA season, the model boasts an impressive 34-15 record on top-rated NBA spread picks dating back to the previous season, indicating a robust and consistent predictive capability.

After comprehensive simulations, the SportsLine model has unveiled its coveted NBA picks and betting predictions for the London game. A key projection from the model indicates a strong lean towards the Under on the total of 231.5 points. The model predicts a combined score of 229 points, with the Under hitting in 54% of its simulations. This prediction is underpinned by several factors: both teams have seen the Under hit in three of their past five games, suggesting a recent trend towards lower-scoring contests. Furthermore, the potential impact of international travel on player energy levels and offensive rhythm could contribute to a slower pace and fewer scoring opportunities. Notably, Memphis has seen 13 of its 20 road games this season fall below the projected total, reinforcing the model’s inclination for the Under.

Beyond the total points, the SportsLine model has also identified a compelling angle on the spread, indicating that one side of the Magic vs. Grizzlies spread is projected to hit almost 60% of the time. This specific spread pick, alongside the complete set of predictions, is available exclusively to SportsLine subscribers.

In addition to the main betting lines, several promotional offers are available for new users in select states. The latest Underdog promo code, for instance, offers $75 in bonus entries when playing $5 with the promo code CBSSPORTS2. Similarly, new users can explore the FanDuel promo code to potentially secure $300 in bonus bets if their initial $5 wager is successful. These offers provide additional avenues for engagement for those interested in sports betting.

The global appeal of the NBA continues to grow, with games like the Magic vs. Grizzlies in London serving as critical components of the league’s international strategy. Beyond the competitive implications for both teams – with Orlando aiming to solidify its playoff position and Memphis striving to climb out of the play-in tournament picture – these games are a celebration of basketball on a global stage. Fans across Europe will be eagerly watching as two distinct NBA franchises showcase their talent and competitive spirit, adding another memorable chapter to the NBA’s rich history in London.

The game will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime, ensuring broad accessibility for fans across various regions. For those looking to capitalize on expert analysis, the full breakdown of SportsLine’s model picks, including the definitive spread selection, is accessible via their platform.