NBA Betting – Thursday Picks – Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat
Before nba betting fans turn their attention to more sports betting events this weekend, we have the NBA doubleheader on Thursday night. It’s time for our weekly hoops picks for NBA gambling action.
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HEAT vs. MAGIC
Records: Miami (34-14 SU, 22-25-1 ATS) vs. Orlando Magic (31-18 SU, 20-27-2 ATS)
Time: Thursday 8 ET
Venue: Amway Arena, Orlando
Spread: Magic -1.5
Over/Under: 195.5
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The NBA gives us precious few of these quality TNT doubleheaders. Three of the four teams on tonight’s bill (Miami, San Antonio and Los Angeles) feel that they will have to be dealt with seriously when the playoffs get under way in about 2½ months, and Orlando will at minimum be a tough out in an Eastern Conference which seems to be getting better by the way.
Both the Magic and Heat have issues as they get ready for a down-the-stretch run in a Southeast Division that could be the strongest in the league (although division play doesn’t mean much in pro hoops). You can toss Atlanta into the mix. The Heat have a 4-game lead over the Magic and Hawks, and when all their moving parts are on the floor and in reasonably good health, you can make a decent argument that they are the best team in the game.
Miami has won three in a row since that loss in New York last week, and while the James-Wade-Bosh triumvirate may be getting all the attention, the return from injury of Mike Miller gives the Heat another solid rotation player and makes dealing with James and Wade on the wing all that more difficult. Miller had 32 points and 10 boards in a recent win over Toronto, and has had 10 or more rebdounds in three of the last five games.
Three losses in the last five games have raised eyebrows about the Magic. Orlando’s ball pressure has to get better – both Chicago and Memphis took advantage of lackadaisical perimeter play. The Magic need one more big to be taken seriously in any playoff discussion.
Trends:
Over is 9-3 in MIA last 12 overall.
MIA are 8-17 ATS in their last 25 Thu. games.
ORL are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 Thu. games.
MIA are 5-13-1 ATS in the last 19 meetings.
Looking for a nice PARLAY wager?
Best bets: Looking at the Heat to beat Orlando, with a solid play on the under as both teams continue to work to improve their defense.
In the nightcap, Los Angeles should be a little worn down after being taken to overtime by the Rockets, and SA won’t want to get the trip off to an 0-2 start.
Spurs minus the points.
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Lawrence Paul is a regular contributor to the Cappers Picks Blog, and is a free-lance gambling and travel expert from Massachusetts.
