NBA Handicapping Predictions – Magic vs 76ers
No team in the NBA has had more drama lately than the Orlando Magic. Stan Van Gundy and Dwight Howard certainly aren’t on the same page right now, but for now they must continue to try working together.
NBA Basketball Matchup: Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers
8:00 PM EST
NBA Gambling Odds from Bookmaker
NBA Betting Favorite: 76ers -4.5
Over/Under: 180
The Magic have lost five straight games.
Philadelphia was one of the biggest surprises in the league early this year, but the 76ers have fallen to seventh place in the Eastern Confernece playoff race. Both of these teams really need a win. Who will come out on top here?
Dwight Howard wants Stan Van Gundy out and Van Gundy confirmed that he knows that at one of the world’s most awkward press conferences ever earlier this week.
Howard’s numbers are still very good this year, but he wasn’t himself in the team’s last game at home against New York on Thursday. It doesn’t help that the team’s second leading scorer, Ryan Anderson, will miss this game with an injury.
The Magic will also be without Hedo Turkoglu. Orlando relies heavily on the three-point shot. Jason Richardson, Jameer Nelson, and J.J. Redick must step up in the absence of Anderson and Turkoglu.
The Magic have given up 102 points per game in their last five contests. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Van Gundy has been clear that he is most disappointed with the team’s lack of progress on the defensive end.
Philadelphia is a tough team to figure out this year. They are capable of dominating very good teams, but they have lost quite a few games to poor teams throughout the season.
The team’s loss Wednesday night against Toronto was a brand new low. The 76ers led 56-55 at halftime, but scored just 22 points in the second half and they were beaten 99-78 by the lowly Raptors. Depth is a strength for this Sixers team. They have seven players who average at least 9.2 points per game.
On the other end of the spectrum though, Philadelphia has no clear cut leader on this team and that has held them back. Philadelphia is averaging just 89 points per game in their last five contests.
Both of these teams have been playing poorly, but I think the Magic have a much bigger chemistry issue. Until they start showing up, it’s hard to expect them to win.
Prediction: Philadelphia 95 Orlando 87
