Orlando Magic at Portland Trailblazers Betting Preview

Opening Line: Magic -4.5 / Trailblazers +4.5 O/U 193.5

Time: 10:30 PM EST Friday January 15, 2010 on ESPN

Tonight the Portland Trailblazers host the struggling Orlando Magic. The Magic are coming off a loss, are only 4-6 in their last 10 games, and they only lead the Atlanta Hawks by ½ game in the Southeast Division. The Blazers have been killed by injuries this season, but are hanging tough, as they are coming off a win, are 6-4 in their last 10 games, and only trail the Denver Nuggets by 1.5 games in the Northwest Division.

This season the Blazers are 15-7 at home and 20-18-2 ATS and the Magic are 12-9 on the road and 19-18-2 ATS.

After winning 8 straight road games the Magic are suffering away from the Sunshine State losing 7 of their last 9 road games.

For the Magic to snap out of their road slump they need better play from Jameer Nelson (11.7 ppg) and Rashard Lewis (14.2 ppg). Nelson has averaged 7.8 ppg in his last 4 games and Lewis has averaged 9.9 ppg in his last 7 games and in those spans both players are only shooting 34.3% from the floor.

Orlando beat the Blazers earlier this season and they have won 6 of their last 7 games against Portland.

Since C Greg Oden is out for the season because of a knee injury the other Blazers' frontcourt players have to step it up on D guarding Dwight Howard (16.9 ppg 13.2 rpg). Much of the responsibility falls on 36-year old Juwan Howard, but he will need help, as he gives up a couple of inches and 12 pounds of muscle to Howard.

Both of these teams have a great defense, as the Blazers rank 4th in points allowed (94.4 ppg) and the Magic rank 6th (96.3 ppg).

The Magic have to play good inside-outside defense against the Blazers' tandem of SG Brandon Roy (23.4 ppg) and PF LeMarcus Aldridge (15.9 ppg).

Vince Carter (17.4 ppg) is questionable for this game with an injured shoulder.

If Cater can't go J.J. Reddick will get the start and if he can bury the 3 tonight, he is hitting on almost 43% of them this season, it will open up the lane for Howard to operate.

Orlando is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games, and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games against teams with a winning home record.

Portland is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 against teams in the Southeast Division and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against teams with a winning S.U. record.


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