and that means BOTH of you.
SUNDAY__ February 13th
Orlando Magic .. -1 >> (5X)
Los Angeles is playing great.. 4-for-4 so far on this road trip. Jackson clearly responding well to the onslaught of criticism they received after home losses to the Celtics, and Spurs, Kings, and almost Rockets (OT) a scant two weeks ago. However good they may appear, they are still only 19-10 versus teams with a record above .500%.
Orlando, very much in the same as the Lakers were a short while ago, need to step it up for coach Van Gundy.
Difficult losses to Miami and Boston, have created a lot of media criticism about complacency, that i expect
to contribute to a strong defensive effort, as well as improved shooting. The Magic played the Hornets well for 3 quarters
until an inexplicable collapse in the 4th to jeering fans. The fans want better and i expect they will receive a 48 min, effort
today from the home team (19-8). I do not hink this will be a blow out, it will be close for most of the game,
but Orlando likely to get the 5-6 pt. win and cover the spread, which really is what we all care about. I can eat a single pt.
Toronto Raptors .. +2 >> (5X)
The Clippers, coming off an embarrassing road loss to Cleveland, arrive in Toronto distracted by a solid 24 hrs. of ESPN footage showing them generously sacrificing themselves to end the longest losing streak in sports history. In their previous game, the Clips played fantastically in ane effort over the Knicks, and had hoped to string together a similar effort in an unbelievably long road trip. This is the 6th of 11-straight road games. I expect the loss to Cavs will create an emotional hangover that shouls keep them from playing at their best and create the opportunity for Toronto to get in and steal the win.
Conversely Toronto, is getting comfy in an 8-of-9 home stint.. The Raptors, played the Spurs very tough just two games ago, and managed to drop in a solid 100 pts, on a very tight defense, and stayed with Portland until the last 4 min. Toronto has won 4 straight
against the Clippers, who still have a terrible road record.. (4-19)
I expect this game is more of a gift than the Laker game, and will be a more relaxed win for the capper, Even though 79% of the public is on the Clips. (i guess they are mistankenly imagining that there will be an immediate response to Cavs loss). Don't go for it. The KNICKS had a hangover and lost handily to the Lakers after dropping game to Ciips. Take the +2 gift-wrap, and enjoy the game.
Good Luck