Posted on 4/24/2008 3:14:23 PM

NBA Free Picks – Toronto to Turnaround Series against Orlando

By Tim Furious

Orlando Magic (52-30) vs. Toronto Raptors (41-41)

Thursday, April 24th --- Air Canada Centre, Toronto --- 7:30pm EST

Series: Orl 2-0

NBA Betting Line: Toronto -4 (202.5)

Toronto roared back twice in Game 2 to give the Magic a scare, but Bosh failed to knock down the game winning field-goal to push this series in to a tie. The scary thing for the Magic betting faithful, however, is that Toronto now knows that it can overcome any deficit against this team and put themselves in a position to win.

The Magic are still 3-9 SU in their last 12 games against the Raptors. What hurts their chances even more is the 7-1 ATS record that Toronto holds over them in the last 8 games between the two in the Air Canada Centre. Couple that with the rabid Toronto fans and Orlando is going to have an insanely tough time getting in to a rhythm up north.

Dwight Howard continues to be a monster, but it was Chris Bosh who began to show the poise that Toronto’s betting faithful have come to expect. Bosh played slightly stiff in Games 1 and 2, largely because he puts so much pressure on himself to be The Man for his team. Remember, this is a guy that when asked how he felt about the Vince Carter trade back in 2004, he responded by saying that, “everybody gets an opportunity to be great, and I guess this is mine.” The 25.0 points he is averaging is certainly a step in the right direction.

But greatness is measured in wins alone sometimes, and Bosh needs to will this team with aggressiveness. He has to be willing to take over games and play with ruthless insanity in the face of what Dwight Howard is doing. At home, Bosh plays amazingly, and you can count on him to carry the Raptors to a Game 3 victory.

Of course, Sam Mitchell will be the other reason. Dog Mitchell all you want, but he is a beloved coach whose fiery passion for winning (and great suits) is complimented by the talented and deep roster he has to work with.

The total has pushed the OVER in 4 of the last 5 games when Orlando and Toronto meet in the Great White North. Offense is the name of the game in this series since both teams boast strong perimeter scoring. But Toronto has the better depth when it comes to shooting, and are the one team in these playoffs that are literally unstoppable when the scoring hands get hot.

It will be interesting to see how the fired-up Magic respond when they are not at home. They were 27-14 ATS away from home this year, but Toronto is an insanely hostile environment to play in. So bet on Toronto to even the series. Don’t be caught on the downswing as the momentum pendulum starts to swing the other way.

NBA Betting Free Picks: Toronto -4 (OVER)

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