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posted March 19, 2008 at 20:54 in NBA Free Picks

While the Washington Wizards, (33-33 SU, 37-29 ATS, 35-31 O/U) are just happy that they are getting back some of their best players as the postseason quickly approaches, the Orlando Magic, (45-24 SU, 43-24-2 ATS, 33-34-2 O/U), are trying to show that they deserve to be mentioned among the very best team in the eastern conference and all of basketball.

Orlando has won 11 of their last 13 games and comes into tonight’s matchup riding a five-game winning streak including a convincing 104-90 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James last night.

"It showed that we could do it even though people are counting us out," Magic point guard Jameer Nelson said. "They want to talk about Boston, Detroit and then skip over us and go to Cleveland. It shows that we are a good team and we can beat good teams even if we're not shooting the ball well."

While the Wizards recently got back all-star forward Caron Butler from a lingering hip injury and are awaiting the return of all-star guard Gilbert Arenas, while dealing with lingering injuries to veteran backup point guard Antonio Daniels (wrist) and now, another injury to Butler, (wrist).

 

"We've got some serious beat-up guys on our team," Wizards head coach Eddie Jordan said.

 

The Wizards had their three-game winning streak snapped by the Atlanta Hawks, losing 105-96 at home on Monday.

 

Washington has covered the spread in just four of their last ten games while the Magic have gone 6-3-1 against the spread over the same span.

Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Gambling Free Picks:

The Wizards are 7-1 ATS in their last eight road games.

The Wizards are 6-2 ATS in their last eight after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

The Magic are 7-0-1 ATS in their last eight home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

The Magic are 8-1-1 ATS in their last ten home games.

The Over is 4-0 in Wizards last four games playing on one days rest.

The Under is 4-0 in Magic last four games following a SU win of more than ten points.

The Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Orlando.

The Wizards are 3-7 ATS in the last ten meetings in Orlando.

Analysis: The Magic are playing at home and are clearly the better team in this matchup. With the Wizards having so many ailing players, I say take the Magic to make another statement to the rest of the eastern conference in this contest tonight.

NBA Free Picks: Orlando -8 Points/Over 208 Total Points

07:05 PM EST NBA Lines

Washington Wizards +8 -110

Orlando Magic -8 -110

Over 208 -110

Under 208 -110

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