Weekend Preview of all the NBA Action

This weekend’s NBA betting schedule features a pair of divisional matchups on Saturday, while on Sunday two Western Conference division leaders square off in a must-see tilt.

Saturday’s top matchup is between division rivals Orlando and Miami. The battle of Florida has been dominated by Orlando in recent years, and with the Magic sporting one of the best records in the NBA they should be favored on the NBA odds in this one.

The Magic and Heat last met up on January 2 when Orlando defeated Miami 86-76 as an 8.5-point favorite. It was a full-team effort for Orlando in the win, as Rashard Lewis scored 17 points, Jameer Nelson had 16 points, and Dwight Howard delivered 15 points and 15 rebounds. Dwyane Wade poured in a game-high 33 points to go along with seven rebounds and six assists, but the rest of Miami’s starters were a dreadful 8-for-30 and combined to score only 23 points. That victory was Orlando’s 10th straight versus the Heat and they have not lost in Miami since 2006.

The other interesting divisional clash on Saturday is between New York and Philadelphia. The 76ers should enter this game well-rested after having the last four days off, while it’s been a much tougher week for the Knicks, who played four games in six days.

Philadelphia last took to the court on Monday when they had their seven-game winning streak snapped with a 95-93 loss to Dallas. Barring any unforeseen setbacks the 76ers are expected to have forward Elton Brand back for Saturday’s game. Brand, the 76ers’ big offseason acquisition, missed the last six weeks with a dislocated shoulder.

The Knicks journey to Philly on Saturday after playing in Memphis the night before. New York has faced Philadelphia twice this season and came away with a loss both times. The 76ers crushed the Knicks 116-87 as an 8.5-point favorite back in October and beat the Knicks again 107-97 as a 2-point favorite just last week. The 76ers have won three straight versus the Knicks and seven of their last eight matchups. Philly is also riding an eight-game winning streak versus the Knicks at home.

Sunday’s game of the day is a rematch of last year’s Western Conference final between Southwest Division leaders San Antonio and Pacific Division leaders the Lakers. The Spurs and Lakers clashed in San Antonio earlier this month when San Antonio edged Los Angeles 112-111 as a 3-point favorite. The Spurs’ big three all delivered in the win as Manu Ginobili had 27 points, Tony Parker had 20 points, and Tim Duncan had 20 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers in the loss with 29 points and 10 assists. The Lakers have fared much better against the Spurs in L.A., where they have won their last five games against them.