In the first game we all know Howard isn't playing which makes most think that there will be no defense played. I have noticed that the Magic as a team are starting to play defense which has correlated to victories and a happy Stan Van. Magic have held three of four last opponents at home to less than 90 points. I look for a 90-85 type of game and will be playing the UNDER 188.5 or higher.
Here's a little data to take a look at:
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 7 games at home.
- The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Orlando's last 18 games when playing Portland.
- Under is 5-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 games as a road underdog.
- Under is 11-2 in Magic last 13 overall.
The second game is a battle of two teams that don't play any defense at all. Rockets have scored an average of 106.4 ppg in their last 5 games, while the Kings have scored an average of 99.8 ppg and have allowed an average of 109 ppg in their last 5 games. Most bettors are selecting the under but I see a high scoring affair to the tune of 115-110 type of affair. In all events, I will be taking the OVER 216 or lower for 2 units.
A few numbers to ingest:
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 7 games when playing Sacramento.
- The total has gone OVER in 10 of Sacramento's last 13 games when playing at home against Houston.
- Over is 6-1 in Rockets last 7 games as a favorite.
- Over is 13-3 in Kings last 16 overall.
Also looking at the Jazz, hopefully at +7.
BOL to whatever you choose!