posted December 19, 2007 at 16:50 in NBA Articles
Bet On Basketball – Orlando Magic at Houston Rockets
Let me get this straight; The Houston Rockets, (17-9 SU, 19-7 ATS, 13-13 O/U), supposedly have two of the game’s biggest superstars in swingman Tracy McGrady and center Yao Ming, yet the Rockets have never made it out of the first round of the playoffs despite each player’s individual success.
The Orlando Magic, (12-12 SU, 9-14 ATS, 9-14 O/U), on the other hand, have been surpassing everyone’s expectations for them this season – except their own – while getting the most out of their potential in each and every game
Each team enters tonight’s contest coming off a loss and in the case of the Magic – two consecutive losses.
Orlando’s defense has gone south recently, allowing 107.3 points per game in their last seven contests, including a 111-108 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.
The Rockets (12-12) have dropped three of their last four, including a 96-83 loss to Dallas on Saturday. Houston has been held to fewer than 90 points in each of its last four games.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my NBA Betting Free Picks:
Key Magic Trends
The Magic are 10-1-1 ATS in their last 12 games as a road underdog.
The Magic are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. Western Conference.
The Magic are 11-2-2 ATS in their last 15 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Key Rockets Trends
The Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
The Rockets are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 vs. NBA Southeast.
The Rockets are 17-35-1 ATS in their last 53 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Key Totals Trends
The Under is 7-1 in Magic last 8 games following a S.U. loss.
The Over is 5-1-1 in Magic last 7 vs. NBA Southwest.
The Under is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
The Under is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 games as a home favorite.
Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Houston.
The Road team is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
The Magic are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Houston.
Analysis: The Rockets are one of the worst ATS teams in the league – and one of the softest, just as Yao told reporters just over a week ago after a particularly disturbing loss to the Toronto Raptors. With Dwight Howard and Yao Ming likely canceling each other out and McGrady and Rashard Lewis likely doing the same, this game should come down to each team’s reserve players. The edge goes to the Magic as does the cover.
NBA Free Picks: Magic+3.5 Points/Under 192.5 Points
08:35 PM EST Basketball Spreads
Orlando Magic +3½ -110
Houston Rockets -3½ -110
Over 192½ -110
Under 192½ -110
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