NBA Lock Alert – Red-Hot Bobcats Host Struggling Magic

The Orlando Magic (39-14 SU, 33-19-1ATS, 25-28 O/U) have struggled since losing all-star point guard Jameer Nelson, alternating wins and losses in each of their last eight games while failing to cover the spread in thee consecutive games in the BetOnline Sportsbook

The Charlotte Bobcats (22-32 SU, 32-22 ATS, 24-28-2 O/U) have won three of their last four games while covering the spread in five consecutive games.

Orlando is coming off a dismal 117-85 loss to the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday, failing to cover the spread as a 1.5-points road underdog.

All-star center Dwight Howard scored a team-high 17 points but the Magic shot a pitiful 37.1 percent from the field while allowing the Hornets to drain a blistering 58.2 percent of its field goals.

The Bobcats bounced back from a loss in their previous outing to beat the Indiana Pacers 103-94 and cover the spread as 5.5-point home favorites as athletic forward Gerald Wallace scored 25 points to lead six Bobcats players in double figure scoring.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Pick.

Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando’s last 6 games when playing Charlotte

The total has gone OVER in 8 of Orlando’s last 11 games on the road

Orlando is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 games on the road

Charlotte is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games

Charlotte is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games at home

Charlotte is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte’s last 6 games when playing Orlando

NBA Odds

Orlando Magic -2½ -110

Charlotte Bobcats +2½ -110

Over 189 -110

Under 189 -110

Analysis: I have absolutely no idea why the Orlando Magic are favored in this contest despite being on the road, but I’m going on record right now to say that the Charlotte Bobcats are not only going to win tonight’s contest against the Orlando Magic, but cover the spread with room to spare after letting the Magic off the hook in Tuesday’s 107-102 overtime loss.

The fact of the matter is that the Magic have struggled mightily since losing all-star point guard Jameer Nelson while the Bobcats are making a strong push toward earning a playoff berth under Hall of Fame head coach Larry Brown.

Simply put, take the Bobcats to cover and the Over.

NBA Free Picks: Charlotte +2½ Points/Over 189 Total Points