Lakers and Magic Game 4 – Orlando looks to even the Series

Hedo Turkoglu, Magic Look To Even Series With Lakers

Nobody in this series has stood out more than Hedo Turkoglu. Tukoglu had 18-6-7 in Game 3 and his definitive shooting propelled the Magic in to a 2-1 SU series record with the Lakers in NBA Finals betting. The Magic are now 2-1 ATS in this series, and are looking to even the series as home favorites again tonight.

But one thing has me extremely concerned. Has anyone noticed that no matter how much the Magic look like they’re in control of the game, the Lakers are always within two baskets of tying the game? I said it on Tuesday and I’ll say it again – the Magic have to continue to play perfectly to stay in the games because L.A. doesn’t look like it’s going to make any mistakes.

L.A. Lakers vs. Orlando Magic

Thursday, June 11th — Amway Arena, Orlando — 9:00pm EST

NBA Betting Line: Orlando -2 (201)

The Magic got off easy when Kobe Bryant seemed awfully pedestrian in the fourth quarter of Game 3. He missed five free-throws in the game, and appeared visibly frustrated by his performance. Those that think Kobe is stumbling towards greatness are wrong. We are seeing a growling, snarling, vindictive Kobe Bryant in these NBA Finals…and that’s the best Kobe that we’ve ever seen.

NBA Betting Trends

-LA Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games

-LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games

-The total has gone UNDER in 10 of the LA Lakers last 13 games

-Orlando is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games

-The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando’s last 6 games

-Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home

-Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

-The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Orlando’s last 23 games at home

The oddsmakers took notice of Kobe’s fourth-quarter collapse, as he shot just 2-for-6 from the floor and allowed his emotions to rattle him as he gave up a crucial fourth-quarter possession in the final minute of the game. What are the oddsmakers banking on? Kobe coming back stronger and fiercer and Orlando wilting in his scorching blaze.

Word to the wise: that’s not happening. The Magic shoot too well at home, and I’m worried that a vindictive Kobe will hog the ball too much. The reason the Lakers look so smooth is that Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol are getting the ball early and often. When Kobe tries to win it all on his own from the opening tip, Odom will lose interest and Gasol’s unique talents won’t be taken advantage of as Orlando spreads out the offense.

By the way, look out for Mickael Pietrus’ offensive explosion. Something tells me he is finding his groove coming off the bench and won’t allow the Orlando starters to take the brunt of responsibility in Game 4.

NBA Furious Free Pick: Orlando -2 (UNDER)