Orlando Magic Edges Denver Nuggets in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, December 27, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Kia Center
Orlando Magic 127, Denver Nuggets 126, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Denver Nuggets vs Orlando Magic?
Orlando Magic beat Denver Nuggets 127-126 at Kia Center on December 27, 2025.
Who was favored in Denver Nuggets vs Orlando Magic?
Denver Nuggets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -170 (about 63% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Orlando Magic triumphed over the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 127-126. This game was particularly significant as it marked the conclusion of a three-game series between the two teams, which now stands tied at 1-1 for the season. The Magic improved their home record to 19-14, while the Nuggets fell to 22-10 on the road.
The Magic entered this game with a recent record of 4-6 over their last ten games, having lost their last outing against the Charlotte Hornets 105-120. Their scoring average during this stretch was 111.0 points per game, while they allowed an average of 116.4 points. In contrast, the Nuggets were on a roll, boasting an 8-2 record over their last ten games, including a victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves 142-138 just two days prior. The Nuggets averaged 128.2 points scored per game and allowed 120.0 points during this span.
When considering home and away performance, the Magic had a home record of 2-3 in their last five games, while the Nuggets were 4-1 in their last five away games. This matchup was also notable as the Magic were looking to break a trend; they had lost all three previous meetings with the Nuggets this season, including a 115-126 defeat just a week prior.
In terms of injuries, both teams had key players listed as day-to-day. The Magic had Franz Wagner, Izaiyah Nelson, and Jonathan Isaac all dealing with various injuries, while the Nuggets were without Aaron Gordon and Trevon Brazile, both also day-to-day. The absence of these players could have impacted the dynamics of the game, but both teams managed to field competitive lineups.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Nuggets favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 235.5. The odds reflected a strong belief in the Nuggets' ability to perform well, given their recent form. The moneyline showed the Magic at +142 and the Nuggets at -170, indicating that the Nuggets were seen as the more likely victors.
Conditions at the Kia Center were typical for an indoor basketball game, with no weather-related factors affecting play. Fans in attendance were treated to a thrilling contest that saw multiple lead changes and a dramatic finish.
As the game progressed, viewers witnessed a back-and-forth battle, particularly in the fourth quarter. Key moments included Desmond Bane's free throws that tied the game at 126 before the Magic pulled ahead for the win. The final scoring plays highlighted the intensity of the match, with both teams executing under pressure. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic made crucial contributions for the Nuggets, while Tristan da Silva played a pivotal role for the Magic.
Ultimately, the Magic's ability to capitalize on critical moments led them to victory, showcasing their resilience and competitive spirit. This game not only provided excitement for fans but also set the stage for future meetings between these two teams as they continue to vie for playoff positioning.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DEN -3.5 | 235.5 o -108 / u -112 | Denver Nuggets -170 · Orlando Magic +142 |
Injury report
- Franz WagnerDay-To-DayCalfOrlando Magic
- Izaiyah NelsonDay-To-DayAnkleOrlando Magic
- Jonathan IsaacDay-To-DayKneeOrlando Magic
- Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
- Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
Leaders
- PointsAnthony Black38Orlando Magic
- AssistsDesmond Bane6Orlando Magic
- ReboundsWendell Carter Jr.7Orlando Magic
- PointsNikola Jokic34Denver Nuggets
- AssistsNikola Jokic12Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsNikola Jokic21Denver Nuggets
Recent form
Orlando Magic
Last 10: 4-6Streak L1111 scored · 116.4 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L105-120vs Charlotte HornetsDec 27
- W110-106at Portland Trail BlazersDec 24
- L97-120at Golden State WarriorsDec 23
- W128-127at Utah JazzDec 21
- L115-126at Denver NuggetsDec 19
- L120-132vs New York KnicksDec 13
- W117-108vs Miami HeatDec 9
- L100-106at New York KnicksDec 7
- W106-105vs Miami HeatDec 6
- L112-114vs San Antonio SpursDec 4
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 8-2Streak W1128.2 scored · 120 allowed per game4-1 away
- W142-138vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 26
- L130-131at Dallas MavericksDec 24
- W135-112vs Utah JazzDec 23
- L101-115vs Houston RocketsDec 20
- W126-115vs Orlando MagicDec 19
- W128-125vs Houston RocketsDec 16
- W136-105at Sacramento KingsDec 12
- W115-106at Charlotte HornetsDec 7
- W134-133at Atlanta HawksDec 6
- W135-120at Indiana PacersDec 4
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| Atlanta | - | 36 | L1 | .561 | 46 |
| Orlando | 1 | 37 | L1 | .549 | 45 |
| Charlotte | 2 | 38 | W1 | .537 | 44 |
| Miami | 3 | 39 | W2 | .524 | 43 |
| Washington | 29 | 65 | L10 | .207 | 17 |
Box score
| Stat | Denver Nuggets | Orlando Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 44-86 | 46-89 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 11-29 | 10-29 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 34 |
| Free throws | 27-30 | 25-37 |
| Free throw % | 90 | 68 |
| Rebounds | 49 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 34 | 26 |
| Assists | 27 | 32 |
| Steals | 5 | 8 |
| Blocks | 3 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 6 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 27 | 4 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 62 | 64 |
| Fouls | 23 | 25 |
| Largest lead | 17 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 15 | 15 |
| Time in front | 74 | 20 |
How the scoring went
- 4th Quarter99-96Desmond Bane makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter101-96Jonas Valanciunas makes layup (Bruce Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter101-97Jonathan Isaac makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-98Jonathan Isaac makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-100Anthony Black makes 1-foot running dunk (Jonathan Isaac assists)
- 4th Quarter101-101Desmond Bane makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-102Desmond Bane makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-105Anthony Black makes 23-foot three point jumper (Paolo Banchero assists)
- 4th Quarter102-105Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-105Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-105Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-105Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-107Desmond Bane makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (Anthony Black assists)
- 4th Quarter105-109Paolo Banchero makes driving layup (Anthony Black assists)
- 4th Quarter105-111Paolo Banchero makes 2-foot driving dunk
- 4th Quarter106-111Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-111Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-114Tristan da Silva makes 25-foot three point jumper (Paolo Banchero assists)
- 4th Quarter109-114Nikola Jokic makes 7-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter110-114Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-114Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-116Wendell Carter Jr. makes 2-foot layup (Desmond Bane assists)
- 4th Quarter111-117Wendell Carter Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter113-117Peyton Watson makes 3-foot layup (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter114-117Peyton Watson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter115-117Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-117Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter120-117Nikola Jokic makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter120-119Anthony Black makes 11-foot pullup jump shot (Wendell Carter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter120-121Anthony Black makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter121-121Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter122-121Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter122-122Desmond Bane makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter122-123Desmond Bane makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter124-123Jamal Murray makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter124-125Tristan da Silva makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot (Wendell Carter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter125-125Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter126-125Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter126-126Desmond Bane makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter126-127Desmond Bane makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Orlando Magic, below favours Denver Nuggets.
Venue
- Kia CenterOrlando, FL
- Attendance19151
- OfficialsMark Lindsay, Michael Smith, John Butler
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- Nuggets Defeat Magic 126-115 at Ball ArenaDec 18, 2025