-
Jeremy Perry
Lakers vs. Magic Point Spread: NBA Odds, Prediction
The Los Angeles Lakers are moving up in the standings after struggling the first two weeks of the season. The Orlando Magic have been able to score a number of significant victories in the first month of the NBA season. Two teams stand on unexpectedly even ground heading into Saturday’s matchup.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Lakers are 7-8 overall but only 5-9 against the spread this season. They did, however, improve their ATS record in their most recent game. The Lakers thrived against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. They rolled to a nine-point win and responded to the nine-point loss they suffered against the Blazers in their first game of the season a month ago.
The Magic are 7-8 in the standings, and they are also 7-8 against the spread after covering versus one of the foremost contenders in their conference. The Magic ought to feel confident after a 111-106 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. The Magic earned some attention in the Eastern Conference and currently sit in the eighth playoff spot, an unexpectedly high place one full month into the season.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers were able to set a very high standard on offence in their win over Portland. They allowed Portland to hit 14 of 33 threes, but the Lakers were slightly better at 15 for 32 from three-point land. The Lakers allow 115.6 points per game, and they allowed 117 to Portland, but they scored 126 to boost their points-scored average to 116.9 per game. The Lakers haven’t necessarily improved their defence. It has merely become less awful in recent weeks. The offence, though, is still operating at a high level, and the slightest reduction in points allowed has translated into victories for the Lakers.
LeBron James has predictably begun to step up for the Lakers after being less than overwhelming in the early parts of the season. He scored 44 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while handing out nine assists and blocking three shots against Portland. LeBron can carry the Lakers through portions of the season when he plays like this. The question is if teammates can offer a similar boost in limited spots.
Orlando Magic
The Magic didn’t merely beat the Sixers on Thursday, winning by five points and covering the spread. The Magic made a massive, late rally to make it happen. They trailed the Sixers by double figures but then scored 21 straight points and stormed the gates in the fourth quarter to leave Philadelphia in shock. The Magic clamped down in the final minutes of the game to seal the victory which gives new head coach Steve Clifford the ability to tell his players that his plan is working.
The Magic hit 50 percent of their field goals against Philadelphia. They hit 12 of 28 threes, or 43 percent. They hit 19 of 22 free throws. Yet, what really helped Orlando was its defence. The Magic forced 14 turnovers from the Sixers and allowed only 15 free throws. The Sixers made just 10 of those foul shots, meaning Orlando outscored Philly 19-10 from the line. That mattered.
The Magic score 104.4 points per game and allow 108.5. Yet, they are almost a .500 team, which points to an ability to win close games.
