Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic Betting Line
The Atlanta Hawks two-game road swing through Florida concludes Monday night with a stop in Orlando to play the Magic. Tip-off is at 7 pm at the Amway Center. The Magic are favored by 7. The over/under on this game is 187 at the Bodog Sportsbook, high in my opinion as I expect this game to be played in the 80’s and 90’s for each team.
Look for the Orlando Magic to recover from the virus that sent four players home over the weekend and blitz the Hawks. Dwight Howard is still Superman when it comes to the low block and his dominance inside will carry the home club. Orlando has the league’s best defense, have won six of their last seven, and they’re playing at home. Can you bet against them? Dwight Howard averages 21.4 points, plus 12 board and 2 blocks per game.
The recent stomach virus limited Orlando to eight players against Milwaukee Saturday but the Magic will be home and have only lost twice there all season. Vince Carter (15.1) Jameer Nelson (14.9), Rashard Lewis (12.4) and Brandon Bass (10.6) round out a starting five all averaging in double digits. Add the scoring to the NBA’s best defense (91.1 per game points allowed) and you’ve got the makings of an easy Orlando victory.
For the Hawks, the key is balance and the three. Joe Johnson, Al Horford, Josh Smith, Jamal Crawford and Mike Bibby are scoring in double figures, while Marvin Williams gives you another 9 PPG coming off the bench. Atlanta is making 6.2 threes per game ranking them in the top three of the NBA. Their stingy defense gives up only 97 points a game.
Expect the Magic to roll to an early lead in the first quarter. The Hawks will close the gap and make it respectable in the middle quarters before Orlando takes control in the final 12 minutes. Watch for the point totals to be below 100 (maybe even below 90) for both clubs whether a result of poor shooting or good defense. The Hawks will be looking for the three from the outset and only a hot night from beyond the arc will keep it close. Howard’s inside game – offensively and defensively – will be too much for Atlanta.
Atlanta Hawks @ Orlando Magic Free Pick
I’m taking the Magic at -7, and taking the under. I’m expecting a low scoring game between these two defensive minded teams.
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