Betting On Orlando Boston – Celtics Brace For Visit From Magic Monday
January 25th, 2012 Posted in NBA bettingLast week the Orlando Magic registered three wins, in four games, in five nights, a numerical sensation that has become common in an NBA season shortened by the lockout. However, the Magic should be well rested for this Monday’s game against the Boston Celtics after having the weekend off, especially since their rivals were on the court less than 24 hours before. The Celtics has their way with the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center on Sunday, but that win will be forgotten fast if they can’t carry over its momentum and come up with another against Orlando.
Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics
Monday January 23, 2012 – 7:30 PM ET
TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
NBA best sportsbook Line: Orlando Magic – 4
While the Magic has cruised so far this season, Boston has struggled out of the gate with just six wins through15 contests. Paul Pierce exploded for 34 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds in the Celtics’ win over Washington, and will need another big effort to have a chance at parlaying that success as sports betting underdogs at home.
Betting On Orlando Boston Preview: Orlando Magic
Even despite the rampant trade talk surrounding him, Orlando center Dwight Howard has managed to remain his usual dominant self, averaging an incredible 20.2 points and 16.1 rebounds this season. The Magic rank in the top-10 at both ends of the floor in terms of points scored and points allowed, and everything operates around Howard as the central figure. The 26-year old All Star can exploit the Celtics’ lack of size down low, and once he does it will be up to Ryan Anderson, Hedo Turkoglu, and company to continue to produce from the perimeter as they have all season.
Betting On Orlando Boston Preview: Boston Celtics
Containing Howard will be impossible for Boston, but they can limit his effectiveness by collapsing down low and attacking him at the other end of the floor. Pierce has averaged just 14.6 points per game this season, which is ranked third for the Celtics, and needs to be more assertive at the offensive end. Ray Allen could join Rajon Rondo on the list of Boston players that will sit out for this game after he left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury, and if he can’t go then Boston will be forced to rely even more on its depth.
Betting On Orlando Boston Preview: Outlook & Pick
The best best sportsbook spread for this game could change depending on whether or not Allen can go, but don’t expect his status to change the overall outcome of this game. The Magic has an All Star in Howard that won’t be slowed down, and the depth on the outside to make the Celtics pay if they collapse down low. Orlando should have no problem covering the number for this game, so it makes sense to get in on the action as early as possible before it gets any higher.
Betting On Orlando Boston Pick: Orlando Magic
