SATURDAY MAY 8, 2010 – Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks
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NBA Playoffs odds – Game 3 – NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals – Round 3
Team records:
Atlanta: 53-29 SU, 48-34 ATS
Orlando: 59-23 SU, 45-33-4 ATS
This series shifts to Atlanta as the #3 seed Hawks host #2 seed Orlando Magic for game three of their best-of-seven series in the semifinals of the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs this afternoon at 5:00 P.M.
Matchup: Hawks vs Magic
Time: Saturday May 8th 5:00 P.M. (ET)
Venue: Philips Arena
Spread: Orlando -2 (-110)
Atlanta +2 (-110)
Total (Over/Under): Over/Under 195
Orlando finished the regular season with a 12 game winning streak and have kept their foot on the pedal ever since.
They eliminated the Charlotte Bobcats in four straight games in their first round series and have opened up a 2-0 lead in this series with a 114-71 laugher in game one and another impressive double-digit 112-98 win in game two to push their unbeaten streak to 18 games.
In the first two games the Magic have shot 54% from the field and 40% from three point range. Dwight Howard has been a force so far with 21 points and 12 rebounds in game one and 29 points and 17 rebounds in game two. Vince Carter has also made his presence felt with 20 points and six rebounds in their first win and 24 points and seven rebounds in the second.
Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson round out one of the most formidable starting units left in these playoffs.
Having to go the limit to eliminate Milwaukee in their opening round series appears to have taken a bit of a toll on Atlanta in these first two games. While the Magic had over a week to rest, the Hawks had to play game one on Tuesday after wrapping up the seven game series on Sunday.
After getting demolished by 43 points in game one, the Hawks were fortunate to have a short memory as they were able to open up an eight point 57-49 lead at the half. Keeping the game close well into the fourth quarter, they were hit with a barrage of three pointers in a 19-2 Orlando run that blew the game wide open down the stretch.
Statistically the Hawks looked pretty good; shooting 55% from three point range, outrebounding the Magic 41-35, and going 30 of 31 from the foul line, but this did not translate to a win.
With the series shifting to Atlanta, the Hawks need to quickly put their two game road trip to Orlando behind them and get back to playing sound defense to try and slow the Magic down. They also have to use home court advantage, where they won 83% of their games in the regular season to get a much needed win.
As a two point underdog at home I like the Hawks to finally put four quality quarters together and pull out a win.
NBA Gambling Trends:
ATLANTA is 51-39 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 28-17 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams – scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 49-34 ATS (+11.6 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 45-30 ATS (+12.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 56-37 ATS (+15.3 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 93-65 ATS (+21.5 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
ORLANDO is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) after a division game this season.
ORLANDO is 68-47 ATS (+16.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 56-35 ATS (+17.5 Units) versus good offensive teams – scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in the second round of the playoffs since 1996.
Magic vs. Hawkss Free Game 3 NBA Playoff Pick
Atlanta +2
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