Orlando Magic (40-20) @ Philadelphia 76ers (22-36)
NBA Basketball
Monday 1st March, Start: Midnight (GMT)

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Preview

This is an interesting re-match of the first round of the playoffs from last season but the 2 teams are in contrasting positions this season and it is unlikely that Philadelphia will be in the playoffs again this season.

Philadelphia are 22-36 this season, leaving them 6 games behind in the playoff race and much of this is due to their disappointing 10-17 record at home. The issues for them are highlighted further when noticing that the 76ers are 9-18 against the spread at home.

They are 5-5 over their last 10 games but they have lost 4 of their last 6 and are coming off a 4 game road swing. Philadelphia also have a troubling time against teams from the Southeast Division and are 2-8 against the spread against sides from that division.

Elton Brand, an important part of the 76er line up, is questionable for the game tonight as is Willie Green.

Orlando Magic continue in their quest to hunt down Cleveland as the Number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and currently find themselves 6 games behind the Cavaliers. The Magic are an impressive 40-20 this season, and a solid 17-14 on the road. This translates into a 15-15-1 record against the spread.

The Magic are 7-3 over their last 10 games and they have won 3 of their last 4 games coming into this match. They, conversely to the Sixers, have an impressive 12-3 against the spread record against sides from the Atlantic Division of the NBA.

Dwight Howard is the big key for the Magic and the new 'Superman' has been a thorn in the side for Philadelphia over the last couple of seasons. If Howard makes 20 points, the Magic are 19-5 this season. The big man has 6 straight double double games against Philadelphia.

The Magic have a clean bill of health coming into this match.

Head to Head

Orlando are 8-2 straight up against the 76ers in their last 10 meetings. They both have a number of runs against the spread against each other in those matches, with Orlando winning the last 3 against the spread following 4 straight wins for Philadelphia.

Orlando are 4-1 here in Philadelphia in their last 5 meetings, and that translates to 3-2 against the spread although it is Philadelphia who have won 2 of the last 3.

Philadelphia are 8-5 against the spread when having 2 days rest between games. Orlando are 6-8 against the spread in back to back games.

Prediction

Philadelphia are getting to the point where they need to go on a long run of winning games if they wish to close the gap on the playoff places and return to the post-season. Elton Brand had a bad game last time out against the LA Lakers, but he has been an important part of their starting line up and if he misses out tonight, it will give Orlando another edge.

Orlando have a strong line up and a real threat with Dwight Howard on the inside and Rashard Lewis/Vince Carter on the perimeter hitting their 3 pointers. The Magic will also feel they have a chance to close the gap on Cleveland who have been hit with the news that Shaquille O'Neill is likely to miss the rest of the regular season with a thumb injury.

I think the Magic are going to win here at Philadelphia and will cover the handicap that has been set. I can see that line going higher if news is confirmed that Brand misses the game, and it does take into account a back to back match for the Magic. Dwight Howard will be disappointed with only having 7 points last night, although he only played 24 minutes so should be fresh tonight.

The Pick :

Philadelphia 76ers 90-100 Orlando Magic

HANDICAP BETTING :

Orlando Magic - 4 points