Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Betting Odds, Predictions

Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Orlando Magic +8.5 (-110)—Wed., May 20, 2009, 8:30 p.m.
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The Magic are major underdogs in this series and there aren’t many numbers to back that up by the oddsmakers. Orlando dropped 101 points in Game Seven against the Celtics, becoming the first team in history to defeat Boston after trailing 3-2 in a series. The biggest reason the Magic were successful on Sunday night was the play of F Hedo Turkoglu, who registered 25 points, five rebounds, and 12 assists. Turkoglu was quiet the entire series, but still managed to average 16.2 PPG against the defending champs. The Magic will need “Turk” to complement the inside presence of C Dwight Howard to have any shot tonight. Orlando is 8-5 ATS overall in the playoffs with a 4-3 ATS mark in their road postseason contests.

The Cavs are hoping to prove that they’re heavy favorites for a reason, after disposing of the aging Detroit Pistons and the hapless Atlanta Hawks. Cleveland’s averaged just 82.5 PPG in the playoffs and will need to step up on the offensive end of the court if they want to beat Orlando. The Cavs' F LeBron James is the entire show in Cleveland, averaging 32.9 PPG, 9.8 RPG, and 6.8 APG in the playoffs. It may sound ludicrous for a guy averaging that many points, but LeBron will be asked to score more points in this series to contend with the high-scoring Magic. The Cavs are 43-2 SU and 32-13-0 ATS on their home floor this season. In their eight playoff games, Cleveland is an impressive 7-0-1 ATS.

The Magic have dominated the Cavs going 10-1 ATS in the L/11 meetings. Another stat that will make Magic betters excited is that the "underdog" is 8-3 ATS in the L/11 contests. Look for the Magic to jump on Cleveland early and once again try to hang on for a road victory in the fourth. Even if they fail in their quest for a SU win, look for the Magic to hand the host Cavs their first point spread loss of the post-season.