NBA Southeast Showdown Wizards at Magic
The Washington Wizards (7-25 SU, 14-18 ATS, 13-18-1 O/U) snapped its modest two-game losing streak on Sunday, surprising the Cleveland Cavaliers in their 80-77 victory while easily covering the spread as a 9-point home underdog in the BetUS Sportsbook. The Orlando Magic (26-9 SU, 22-11-1 ATS, 15-19 O/U) saw its two-game winning streak come to an abrupt halt in their 108-102 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. The Magi failed to cover the spread as a 7.5-point road favorite just as I predicted in my weekly NBA Sunday 4X4 in the BetUS Locker Room.
Washington got a team-high 26 points and 13 rebounds from all-star forward Antawn Jamison while fellow all-star forward Caron Butler added 19 points and seven rebounds in the win.
“The most important thing is getting a win,” Jamison told the Wizards’ official Web site. “No matter what the record is, we always try to play a great basketball game and give the fans what they want to see. It’s fun to be a part of these games and it’s also fun when you get a win.”
The Magic got a team-high 39 points from all-star center Dwight Howard and 20 points from sweet-shooting forward Rashard Lewis in the loss.
The Magic have won nine of 11, but have split their last four games while averaging just 95.8 points, nearly six points per game less than their season average.
Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy wasn’t pleased with Howard’s 11-for-18 free throw shooting while the Magic are shooting a league-worst 71.0 percent this season.
“That’s about what he shoots, but it’s not good enough,” coach Stan Van Gundy said. “Sixty percent at the free throw line makes it tough.”
Howard is making a career-low 56.9 percent from the foul line this season.
“I’m going to miss free throws,” he said. “I’m not 100 percent from the line. I’ve just got to have confidence when I step up there to make them. I know Stan gets on me a lot, but I’m going to miss some and I’m going to make some.”
Here is a look at the key trends for each team, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Picks.
Washington is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington’s last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington’s last 7 games when playing Orlando
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Orlando’s last 7 games at home
Orlando is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games
NBA Odds
Washington Wizards +13 -110
Orlando Magic -13 -110
Over 190 -110
Under 190 -110
Analysis: While the Magic are clearly the better team in this matchup, something tells me the Wizards are going to cover the big spread as they come with another very solid effort tonight.
The Magic get the win, but the cover goes to Washington.
