The Magic pounded the Celtics 101-82 in Game 7 to set up a finals meeting with the Cavs. They’ll start off on the road where they went 4-3 SU in these playoffs after averaging 95.7 ppg and giving up an average 91.7 ppg. Their top scorers in their 13 playoff games are Rashard Lewis who averages 19.8 ppg, Dwight Howard averages 19.6 ppg 16.6 rebounds per-game, Hedo Turkoglu averages 14.2 ppg and Rafer Alston is good for 12.8 ppg. Coming off a second-round upset of the defending champion Celtics the Magic are a confident bunch heading into Game 1, but they aren’t going to lay down for the Cavs. "We're not satisfied," Orlando center Dwight Howard said Tuesday. "Yeah, we are happy we got past the second round. But we're not satisfied. We don't want to just be happy and hand them the series. We have enough talent to win a championship, and we don't want to let an opportunity slip by." The Magic might have the depth off the bench and shooting power to beat the Cavs. "This team poses so many problems with Dwight and the shooters around him," Cavs defensive Coach Mike Malone said. "You have to make sure you guard Dwight first, and get out to their shooters. They've got a bunch of guys who can knock it down. That's who they are." Defending LeBron will be up to Dwight Howard. "You can't be afraid," said the league's defensive player of the year. "When he comes down the lane, you have to stand in the lane. You have sacrifice your body for the betterment of the team. We understand that. We have to keep him out of the lane. He's going to get in there sometimes, but we have to be able to force him out."
The Cavaliers are a perfect 8-0 in these playoffs, they’ve won every game by double digits and they’ve held their opponents to a ridiculous 78.1 ppg on 39.7 percent shooting. During their four home court wins in these playoffs they’ve averaged 100 ppg and given up an average 80.7 ppg. Their top scorers during eight playoff games are LeBron James who averages 32.9 ppg 9.8 rebounds per-game, Mo Williams averages 14.8 ppg, Delonte West averages 13.2 ppg and Zydrunas Ilgauskas averages 10.8 ppg. Despite losing two games to the Magic this season, they aren’t too worried about them. "Hopefully, they're comfortable and feeling themselves right now," Williams said. "We're a different team - trust me. We're motivated to play. We're focused." In three games against Orlando, James averaged 30.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 7.0 assists. On March 17, he dropped 43 points on the Magic in a 97-93 win.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Magic are 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Cleveland.
- Magic are 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
- Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
- Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Cleveland.
- Underdog is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
2009 NBA Playoffs Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers
When: Wed, May 20, 2009 8:30 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Magic +8
Point-Spreads.com 2009 NBA Playoffs Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers
The Bottom Line: The Magic has what it takes to beat the Cavs, or at least cover the spread. Go Magic! Be sure to get your 2009 NBA Playoffs Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit.
