Orlando Magic @ Philadelphia 76ers
United States: NBA Basketball
Monday 30 January 2012 - Tip Off 7pm ET
Midnight (British Standard Time)

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Preview

The Orlando Magic (12-8) were expected to struggle this season, but they had raised expectations when they got off to a 10-3 start. Things have really gone downhill since then and this really is an unhappy team, with rumours surrounding Dwight Howard set to rumble on.

It isn't expected to get easier as they face the vastly improved Philadelphia 76ers (14-6), a team that has got even better under the direction of Doug Collins in his second season here. The 76ers look set to be an issue in the Eastern Conference for the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat, especially if they keep the defensive side of the ball at the level they have.

The Magic have lost 5 of their last 7 games coming into this one, and they are averaging just 81 points per game in that time, while they have only got beyond 92 points in a game once in that stretch of time.

Dwight Howard continues playing at a high level, but he is getting very little support from the rest of the roster. The absence of Jameer Nelson is not helping at the Point Guard is expected to miss this one tonight.

Stan Van Gundy admitted his frustrations with how the team are playing and he also wondered out loud if there is anything he can do to help the team on the offensive side of the court. He will have to do something if they are to penetrate the 76ers, a team that is allowing just 87 points per game this season.

Philadelphia have been using the philosophy of having no real star players, but getting solid production from everybody in the starting line up as well as Lou Williams who leads the team in scoring while coming off the bench.

Spencer Hawes and Nikola Vucevic will both be absent for Philadelphia.

Head to Head

Orlando have a very strong record against Philadelphia in recent season, going 15-2 in the last 17 meetings between the two teams including winning 6 in a row here.

The Magic also have an 8-2 record against the spread in the last 10 meetings between the teams, and they are 5-0 in games played in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia are 10-2 against the spread at home this season, Orlando are 6-4 on the road.

Philadelphia are 14-3 against the spread as the favourite, Orlando are 2-2 as the underdog.

Other Interesting Trends

Philadelphia are 6-1 against the spread in their last 7 games as the home favourite of between 5 and 10.5 points.

They are 12-3 against the spread in their last 15 games against teams from the Eastern Conference.

Orlando are 17-37 against the spread in their last 54 games following a double-digit loss at home.

Prediction

I will back the Philadelphia 76ers to reverse recent results against Orlando and win this game while covering the spread for the following reasons:

First, Philadelphia have been very effective defensively this season, while Orlando have been struggling mightily on the offensive side of the court.

Second, the 76ers seem to be playing with a lot of belief and are thoroughly enjoying playing in front of their own fans.

Third, the Magic seem a little in disarray at the moment, with the Coach admitting he doesn't know how to change things, while Dwight Howard has called out some of his team-mates for their recent play.

Fourth, the absence of Jameer Nelson for the Magic has been a real problem for Orlando to overcome and it will be tough against this defence to overcome.

The Pick :

Philadelphia 76ers 96-88 Orlando Magic

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll back the Philadelphia 76ers - 6.5 Points @ 1.90