NBA Betting Picks – Orlando Struggles With New Roster; Host Mavericks

There should be a strict stay away advisory on the Orlando Magic in NBA betting picks until we see the fruits of their blockbuster deals. With a record of 1-7 SU and ATS in their last 8 games, the Magic hoped that the arrival of Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu and Gilbert Arenas would spark some life in to this team but they were drilled by the Hawks on the road last night. Things won’t get much better against the stiff Dallas Mavericks at home.

Orlando shot just 35.2 percent from the field against Atlanta and was simply lifeless as their new players and old roster tried to find a semblance of chemistry. Even with 19 points and 20 rebounds from Dwight Howard, the Magic were left scrambling to find their rhythm, and it will take a while before this team gels. They still don’t have a true, definitive leader and that role will eventually fall on Hedo Turkoglu.

This isn’t to say that the trade wasn’t necessary. Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis weren’t helping matters in general and had nasty habits of completely fading in to the background, but banking on Gilbert Arenas returning to form is a huge gamble for a team which is toting a huge payroll behind them. Expectations are intensely high, and a lot of people have abandoned their NBA betting picks bandwagon for good reason.

Dallas Mavericks (22-5) vs. Orlando Magic (16-11)

Tuesday, December 21st — Amway Center — 7:00pm EST

NBA Betting Line: Orlando -3.0 (191)

On top of that, Orlando has never been able to match up that well against the Dallas Mavericks. When serving as hosts, the Magic have gone 4-1 SU and ATS when Dirk pays them a visit. The Magic continue to be one of the iffier home bets in the league, and considering their chemistry issues they’re just not a cozy play.

Aside from a gaffe against Milwaukee, the Mavericks have looked amazing earlier this season. There are still the obvious doubts about whether or not they can keep up their torrid pace, but they’re still a strong 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS in their past 6 games. That’s why they hold value despite being on the road in NBA betting picks, especially when you consider that they’re catching Orlando at a great time in the season.

NBA Betting Pick – Dallas +3.0 (UNDER)

BONUS PICKS!

Philadelphia 76ers +5.5 over CHICAGO BULLS
As if the Bulls need to deal with another hand injury. After getting Carlos Boozer back from a broken hand, the Bulls will be without both Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah as they host the Philadelphia 76ers. After barely losing to the Clippers last night 99-100, the Bulls are losing some steam in NBA betting picks and the Sixers have been a cagey play. Don’t underestimate Elton Brand sticking it to his former team either.

LA LAKERS -12.0 over Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are usually darlings in NBA betting picks, but losing Brandon Jennings to a broken foot is a massive blow to a team that was supposed to expect a big turnaround this year. The Lakers are coming off a big road trip where they went 6-1 SU (and yes I have to include the game at STAPLES Center against the Clippers) and ended the trip with a 4-0 ATS record. Bank on them to keep the good times rolling in NBA betting picks.

Bet on the NBA Championship odds here!!