Magic are the NBA's new top dogs

Eastern powers headline Thursday hoops action

• Celtics aim to cool off Magic
• Lowly Wizards in tough against Lakers

NBA betting has a treat for Eastern Conference fans on Thursday, as most players will head straight for the Celtics vs Magic odds in this contest of East heavyweights. In the Western Conference, Wizards vs Lakers betting should reflect a huge advantage for the home team, despite an injury to their superstar and reigning MVP.

Celtics vs Magic odds

The Magic should be NBA betting favorites at home over the defending world champions from Boston for the first time in three meetings with the Celtics at Amway Arena, and Orlando carries a seven-game winning streak into this contest. The Magic will also want to avenge a 107-88 beating they took in Boston on Dec. 1, when the Celtics shot 54.1 per cent from the field.

Also, the Magic’s lethal long-distance game was non-existent in that contest, as they went five for 26, a far cry from their league-leading rate of 40 per cent. After a four-game skid, the Celtics had won five in a row ahead of Wednesday’s game in Miami, but there could be some danger in picking them in the second half of a back-to-back, especially against a team as good at home as Orlando. Take Orlando in this big Celtics vs Magic betting matchup.

Wizards vs Lakers odds

The Lakers have won six of their last 10 against the Wizards, including four straight, but that isn’t the only reason Los Angeles should be heavy NBA betting favorites at home. Another reason is because the Wizards are an awful team, but even worse on the road, where they were 2-17 ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Sacramento and following Monday’s 119-98 loss at Golden State to kick off this West-Coast swing.

The Lakers face the Clippers on Wednesday and stay at Staples Center on Thursday for this contest, so it’s basically an easy “homestand” for the Lakers, who should get some rest for Kobe Bryant and his dislocated finger if they can jump out to big leads over these teams. Six Lakers reached double figures in Los Angeles’ 106-104 win in Washington on Dec. 5 and that balance will be the difference again Thursday, so don’t expect Washington to overcome these Wizards vs Lakers odds. Go with the Lakers.

For more NBA betting picks, odds and tips, visit the Betting Edge and sportsbook at betonline.com.

Craig Parsons is an avid sports fan, but his true love has always been basketball. Too short to realize his dream of playing in the NBA, he did the next best thing: sports betting and covering basketball for a living. Thoughts or questions?