NBA: Orlando is a Live Dog
The Orlando Magic play at the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight in what could be the top two teams in the East Conference. We know that many Gambling911.com readers are preoccupied with getting their NCAA Tournament brackets done and their wagers in, but this is one game you don't want to miss.
The Magic are tied with Boston in the loss column with 17 defeats and trail Cleveland by four games. A win helps them stay on course for second seed in the Eastern Conference and sends a statement to the Cavaliers, whose only home loss was to the Lakers this season.
It won't be easy though, as the Cavs are a six-point favorite with a Total of 192.5. The game begins at 7 pm ET.
Orlando (49-17) is the best betting team in the NBA at 43-23 ATS. Among their strengths is the ability to play extraordinarily well on the road.
The Magic are second only to the Lakers with a 23-10 mark as visitors and they are a sterling 23-10 ATS as visitors. Dwight Howard's team is also 9-3 and 10-2 ATS as a road underdog.
However, don't expect Cleveland (53-13, 41-25 ATS) to be intimidated. They are 29-1 and 22-8 ATS at Quicken Loans Arena, winning by 14.8 PPG, the best in the league by over three points a contest.
"They're a very good road team. We're a very good home team," LeBron James said. "We're looking forward to the challenge and I bet those guys are looking forward to the challenge also."
With Orlando second in three-point attempts and third in percentage made at 38.8 percent, Cleveland is 12-3 ATS at home versus good three-point shooting teams making 36 percent or more of their attempts.
As Cleveland has been climbing the ladder of success since James' arrival, Orlando has had a little magic over them. The Magic have won seven of the last nine meetings and are 8-1 ATS. That includes having few problems in Cleveland with a 3-1 straight-up and 4-0 spread mark.
The Cavaliers will want to pressure point guard Rafer Alston, who is fitting better into Orlando offense, as they have won seven of the last eight contests.
By applying pressure to Alston, it might prevent the Magic from dumping the ball to Howard and having three point shooters find open areas on kick-out passes. Orlando is 25-9 ATS after having won four of their last five games.
The Cavaliers are 14-5 ATS in home games after playing three consecutive games as favorites this season and are 10-1 UNDER in March home games since last year.
Note these two clubs have played Under seven of the last nine times.
StatFox Power Line - Pick
