PHOENIX – Downtown Phoenix will be the site for the Phoenix Suns’ matinee day game against the Orlando Magic, though without Devin Booker, oddsmakers believe Saturday’s game might be closer than some think.
Dec 8, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Booker (1) dribbles the ball against Orlando Magic guard Jett Howard (13) in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
Devin Booker’s injury affects the Suns and Magic betting odds:
With the Phoenix Suns favored by just -1.5 and sitting at -125 on the moneyline, the market isn’t expressing confidence; it’s expressing caution. Without Devin Booker, who exited the first game after the All-Star break against the San Antonio Spurs, the blow is the biggest for the Suns. Phoenix loses its primary pace-setter and late-clock stabilizer. When Booker left in Thursday night’s matchup against the Spurs, the tempo collapsed, and San Antonio was able to control the rhythm.
Feb 19, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks over Suns forwards Rasheer Fleming (20) and Ryan Dunn (0) during the second half at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Now comes the Orlando Magic, fresh off a 131-94 dismantling of the Sacramento Kings in which they shot an overwhelming 27-for-50 from the three-point line. Fifty attempts on one night isn’t random; that’s systemic pressure. Orlando weaponized spacing and forced defensive rotations into exhaustion.
Feb 19, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Orlando forward Tristan da Silva (23) scores a three point basket against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
The 217.5 over/under suggests bookmakers expect scoring, but not chaos. That number assumes Phoenix can avoid a repeat of Orlando’s perimeter avalanche. The Suns’ defensive closeouts and transition matchups become the swing factor. There’s also psychological weight. Phoenix just got dismantled in San Antonio, and NBA championship-caliber teams respond. But without Booker’s gravity, shot quality declines and isolation possessions rise. That’s dangerous against a confident, high-volume shooting team. For Suns fans, this is about identity. Can they defend the arc and manufacture an efficient offense without their engine? The team that controls tempo will be in a good spot to come away with a victory on Saturday.