Magic vs Trail Blazers Betting Odds – Trail Blazers will extend Magic road struggles

The Magic vs Trail Blazers betting odds pits two teams who are in the upper echelon of the league on Friday night. The Magic have the better record but home court will likely be the equalizing factor. Online betting cappers have seen the Magic struggle on the road lately and Friday night will be another example.

The Storyline - Magic vs Trail Blazers betting odds breakdown
The Magic have struggled on their West Coast trip and they have just a couple more games before it’s over. After starting with a win in Sacramento, they lost by 18 in Denver in a blowout loss. Winning on the road has been a problem for this team all of the sudden – last year, they were one of the best road teams in the NBA.

For Portland, while the injuries have piled up, they continue to play well. They are just 1.5 games behind the Nuggets for the division lead and they have been resilient considering how ravaged their frontcourt is.

Offensive Matchups - Magic vs Trail Blazers betting odds breakdown
The Magic have lost five of their last seven and Dwight Howard is coming off a sloppy performance against Denver. He was just 1-of-8 from the field and he’ll be sure to be fired up on Friday. The Magic have been inconsistent all the way around recently and they need Howard to lead the way on Friday night. Vince Carter is questionable to play.

For Portland, Sportsbook odds makers know they play well at home. Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge lead the way but the return of Rudy Fernandez should give them a boost. This is a good team but their frontcourt is lacking with Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla out.

Betting Edge: Even

Defensive Matchups - Magic vs Trail Blazers betting odds breakdown
They normally give up about 96 points per game but in five of their last seven games – all of which resulted in losses – the Magic have allowed an average of 105 points per game. They have to tighten that up and key the Blazers around 90 points if they are to win on the road. They can’t give up much more than that and expect to win.

Portland isn’t a great defensive team and losing two big men in the center hurts them. Aldridge isn’t a defensive presence and Roy isn’t a shutdown defender. This team relies on a team effort and lacks stifling defensive players. It’s one of the reasons why the Blazers haven’t gone far into the playoffs.

Betting Edge: Even

Notable Injuries - Magic vs Trail Blazers betting odds breakdown
The Trail Blazers are without Oden and Przybilla for the rest of the year, which isn’t news, but it’s something they have had to deal with for a while. Juwan Howard will have to cover Dwight Howard. Travis Outlaw and Nicolas Batum are also out for Portland.

Orlando may be without guard Vince Carter on Friday. He is dealing with a left shoulder bruise and is questionable.

Betting Edge: Magic

Betting Prediction - Magic vs Trail Blazers betting odds breakdown
The Magic are the better team but they are downright struggling right now. They have lost five of seven and won just once in their last five road games. The Blazers are a decent Western Conference team that can take advantage of those struggles and get a credible home win and cover on Friday night.

Craig’s Pick: Blazer

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