Posted on
4/9/2008 4:58:37 PM
NBA Basketball Betting Action Bulls at Magic
By Eric Williams
While the Chicago Bulls, (30-46 SU, 33-43 ATS, 39-34-3 O/U), are headed for an early summer vacation after having one of sports betting’s most disappointing seasons of any team in the league, the Orlando Magic, (48-29 SU, 46-28-3 ATS, 35-40-2 O/U), have surpassed expectations by winning the Southeast Division and the No.3 seed in the eastern conference.
Despite their solid success in Stan Van Gundy’s first season at the helm, the Magic are not playing very well as they get prepared for the postseason, dropping four of their last six games in the BetUS Sportsbook including a dismal 100-90 loss to the atrocious New York Knicks on Sunday in a game that left Van Gundy furious.
"It was our worst game of the year by far. Both ends of the floor, no energy," Van Gundy said. "We were awful. It was embarrassing.
The Magic recorded a convincing win over the Cleveland Cavaliers just one day earlier, winning 101-86 on LeBron James’ home floor.
"We played a game yesterday, so what? It's the NBA. You can't use that as an excuse."
Magic center Dwight Howard has struggled, along with the team, putting up just 13.8 points per game over his last eight games.
"Leading up to the playoffs, this is a time where everybody has to be ready," said Howard. "We looked real flat tonight. We can't have nights like this."
The Bulls were officially eliminated from the postseason with Tuesday’s 95-88 loss to the league-worst Miami Heat.
"We need to become a better defensive team," said guard Kirk Hinrich. "The teams who usually compete for the NBA championship are almost always one of the best defensive teams in the league."
Orlando has beaten the Bulls twice in two meetings this season but has gone just 4-5-1 against the spread in their last ten. Chicago is 3-7 in their last ten contests, both, straight up and against the spread.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my NBA Wagering Free Picks:
The Bulls are 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 vs. NBA Southeast.
The Bulls are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5.
The Magic are 9-0-2 ATS in their last eleven home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400.
The Magic are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five vs. NBA Central.
The Over is 5-0-1 in Bulls last six games playing on zero days rest.
The Under is 4-0 in Magic last four overall.
The Over is 7-2 in the last nine meetings in Orlando.
The Bulls are 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings in Orlando.
Analysis: I know the Bulls have nothing to play for at the moment, but I just don’t see the Magic routing them tonight with the way they are playing. While the Magic will undoubtedly win this game tonight, I like the Bulls to cover the double digit spread.
NBA Free Picks: Chicago +10 Points/Over 206½ Total Points
07:05 PM EST Basketball Spreads
Chicago Bulls +10 -110
Orlando Magic -10 -110
Over 206½ -110
Under 206½ -110
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