NBA Betting Free Picks: Cleveland @ Orlando
Added on Feb 21, 2010 by Jack Thurman in
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Basketball betting is the featured attraction at sportsbooks for Sunday, and the ‘marquee matchup’ of the day is an Eastern Conference battle between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic. The Cavs have looked somewhat out of sync since the All Star break, having their long winning streak ended by Denver and then losing badly at Charlotte. The Magic are also off a loss, having been upset by Dallas at home on Friday.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic
February 21, 10:00 AM Pacific
The risk of a lengthy winning streak such as Cleveland’s recent 13 game run is a ‘letdown’ once the streak ends. In fact, some degree of letdown is inevitable even on the most focus, best coached teams. This phenomenon has been demonstrated in every sport, but is particularly troublesome in the NBA which is an inherently ‘streaky’ sport anyway. Exacerbating the Cavs’ problems at the moment is the recent trade for Antawn Jamison. Jamison struggled in his Cleveland debut–again, not surprising as it takes time to work a new player into the lineup. Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ presence–and hulking 7’3″ frame–will also be missed, at least in the short term. Ilgauskas is back in Cleveland (he’s been a Cav since 1996) after reporting to his “new team” the Washington Wizards. At this point, he’s waiting by the phone as a buyout deal is brokered and after 30 days could be back in a Cleveland uniform. That won’t help the team today, however, and they’ll miss his inside presence against Josh Howard.
Orlando is 6 games behind Cleveland in the Eastern Conference race, but only 1/2 game ahead of 3rd place Boston. They’re also only 1 1/2 games up on the Atlanta Hawks in the Central Division. Cleveland can afford something of a ‘break’ while they work out their lineup continuity. We respect Cleveland’s 6-0-1 ATS/6-1 SU mark as an underdog this year (the only SU loss and the ATS push was at Utah when the Jazz beat the Cavs on Sundiatta Gaines last second dagger). Orlando has dominated the series of late, however, which is why the Cavs have gone to such lengths to improve their size inside. The Shaq/Ilgauskas tandem is definitely a best case scenario for the playoffs, but we look for Dwight Howard to have a big game on Sunday. Orlando has covered 11 of the L15 head to head included a 6-2 SU/ATS mark in Orlando. Cavs have won the two meetings this season including one on the road, but the situation sets up very well for the Magic to get some revenge here.
Bet Orlando -2 over Cleveland
