img NBA

Cleveland at Orlando

May 26, 2009
img8:35 PM Eastern
Premium Pick
5 units on 1st ½ Total UNDER 93.5 -110 (risk 5 to return 5)
Result:
LOSS

The Magic would be leading in this series three games to none if not for a miracle game-winning three-pointer by LeBron James in game two. It's evident that the Cavaliers have a dilemma in this series. As good as it is to have LeBron James on your team, there is a down side to that. James has made 40.3% of all the Cavs' FGs through four games and 59% of all their free throws. He dominates the offense, which can unfortunately lead to other players standing around. The consequence has been 62-for-162 for 38.2% shooting for the rest of the team. Orlando has been facing an issue of their own as Dwight Howard has taken eight shots in each of the last two games and when you consider he has 10 offensive rebounds, he is getting six at the most out of the offense. That means Orlando is forced to a perimeter game, and points are scored outside as opposed to inside. Game fours are notorious for low-scoring matches because it becomes a very pivotal game for the team behind. In this case Cleveland. Their calling card is defense, and I would expect that to be the flavor of this game and particularly early on. The Magic know LeBron will get his points. They must continue to do what they have been doing defensively on the rest of the Cavs, which has forced them to take contested shots. The Cavs' philosophy since game two is to foul Howard if he gets the ball low, and make him make free throws - the weakest part of his game. I like this one to have a definite defensive signature throughout the game. The Magic have played 11-2 to the UNDER in their last 13 at home vs a team with a winning record, and 27-11 to the UNDER in their last 38 at home overall. The Cavs always bring their defense on the road in the playoffs, as they are a perfect 5-0 to the UNDER on the road this season and 15-5 to the under in their last 20 playoff games on the road. The UNDER gets the call here.

OT1 FINAL
1
2
3
4
O
F
Cleveland Cavaliers
25
33
21
21
16
114
Orlando Magic img
21
29
28
22
14
116
odds odds
 
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