NBA Betting – Orlando is the NBA Bet Favorite to Bounce Back in Game 2

The Boston Celtics literally kicked the Orlando Magic in the teeth in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. As 6 ½ point NBA betting favorites, more was expected from the Magic than losing 92 to 88 straight-up to the Men in Green.

Yes, Boston had looked spectacular when taking down LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers but the Magic hadn’t lost a single game during the NBA Playoffs sweeping the Charlotte Bobcats in Round 1 and the Atlanta Hawks in Round 2.

Orlando went into Game 1 having covered the spread in 7 straight games. The Celtics blew that out of the water. Now, in Game 2, the Magic will be looking to bounce back. According to the NBA odds makers, they shouldn’t have a problem doing so. Orlando is once again the favorite in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals

NBA Eastern Conference Finals – Game 2

Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic

Where: Amway Arena, Orlando, FL

When: May 18th, 2010 at 8:30 pm EST

Boston Celtics +7 ½ -110 +300 O 188 -110

Orlando Magic -7 ½ -110 -370 U 188 -110

The trends point to another tough game on Tuesday night.

• The Boston Celtics are 4 and 0 ATS in their last 4 games versus a team with a winning percentage above .600.
• The Boston Celtics are 5 and 1 ATS in their last 6 games on the road vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.
• The Orlando Magic is 7 and 1 ATS in their last 8 playoff games as the favorite.
• The Orlando Magic is 4 and 1 ATS in their last 5 playoff games as a favorite of 5 to 10 ½ points.

The Boston Celtics surprised the Orlando Magic in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. That’s the best way to describe how the Celtics marched out to a 9 point half-time lead. The Celtics increased their lead in the 3rd Quarter of Game 1 by outscoring the Magic 33 to 26, but Orlando turned it on in the 4th quarter.

They finally got physical and broke down the Celtics’ defense by outscoring Boston 30 to 18 in that 4th Quarter. Although most sports gamblers, 68% so far, believe that the Celtics are the NBA bet to make to cover the spread, I believe that Boston is going to have a letdown after their terrific Game 1 victory.

To me, the fact that Orlando outscored the Celtics 30 to 18 in the 4th Quarter is a sign that the Magic are more than ready to get back onto the winning track. Orlando should be able to find more holes in the Celtics’ defense and Boston has been playing so well lately, covering so many spreads in a row and putting a beat down on LeBron, that they’re due for a bad game.

The Magic is going to come out firing in Game 2. They have confidence after playing so well in the 4th Quarter of Game 1 and that’s really all that they need in order to cover the spread in this game. The rustiness they showed in Game 1 won’t be there in Game 2.

I expect a comeback of sorts in Game 2. I’m going to make an NBA wager on the Orlando Magic to cover the spread in the basketball sportsbook.

NBA Free Pick: Orlando Magic -7 ½