NBA Finals odds - Lakers focused for game 1 against Magic
The online betting community has had a few days to breathe after the NBA conference finals, and now it’s time for some Magic Lakers odds for Game 1 of the Championship round. The sportsbook has the Lakers favored by six points for the first contest and it will be key. In the previous two rounds, the Magic have stolen home court advantage with a win in Game 1and they’ll look to set the tone again.
Magic vs Lakers odds: Lakers a six-point favorite in Game 1
- Magic won regular season series 2-0
- Magic are a better team than they are being given credit for
- Experience, home court advantage should lead to Lakers victory
The Magic vs Lakers odds makers have been cautious making Orlando a big road underdog because clearly, they have shown that they aren’t fazed playing away from home. Interestingly enough, the Magic vs Lakers odds don’t exactly reflect that the Magic swept the two-game season series between the teams. The Magic won at home against the Lakers 106-103 on December 20th and then won at the Staples Center 109-103 on January 16th.
The key to this series – and Game 1 – will be the presence of Dwight Howard. In last year’s finals, the Lakers got bullied by an intense, defensive force in the shape of Kevin Garnett. Well, this year, the Lakers are again facing a physical demon in Howard, who averaged 21.5 points per game, 16 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game in the two meetings.
While the Magic vs Lakers odds makers don’t want to give the Magic credit, they have gone down a very similar path to the Boston Celtics of last year. The Magic were pushed to their limits in Round 1 by the Philadelphia 76ers, forced into a Game 7 with the Champion Celtics in Round 2, and then dismissed LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Round 3.
Meanwhile, basketball betting handicappers should note that the Magic have gotten better each and every round. Mikael Pietrus and Courtney Lee have emerged for this team, giving them a complete roster of five double-digit scorers. With Lee, Rafer Alston, Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis and Howard, the Magic can get points from many sources. Then the aforementioned Pietrus can come off the bench - and he might be joined by All-Star Jameer Nelson, who has been out with a torn labrum for the second half of the season, but is expected to return.
While the Magic were considered the third best team in the East and the fourth best team overall prior to the playoffs, they might be the best team left standing. They even have better chemistry than the Lakers. But there are a few big factors that give the Lakers the slight upper hand. First off, they are more experienced. Secondly, they have Kobe Bryant, who is capable of scoring 30-40 a game if necessary. And thirdly, they have home court advantage.
Look for the Magic to give push the Lakers to their limit in game and stay inside the spread that Magic vs Lakers odds makers set. The Lakers should win a close one in Game 1.
Craig Parsons Pick: Magic +6 but the Lakers will win Game 1.
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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? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
