Orlando Magic -10 the Free NBA Betting Pick vs. Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors (13-20) visit the Orlando Magic (21-12) as the Magic have regained their momentum and have won 5 games in a row and are the NBA betting pick. 

In their previous game, Orlando Magic beat the up and coming New York Knicks, 112-103. It was a well balanced attack with 7 Magic players scoring double figures led by Dwight Howard's 24 points and 18 rebounds. Basically everyone that played in the game contributed and that's what the Magic need to be effective, they need a well balanced attack. Amare Stoudemire still got his 30 points but the Magic, overall, were just too strong for the Knicks.

The Golden State Warriors come into this game on a major low. They blew a 20 point lead to the Miami Heat of all teams, and lost 114-107. Dorell Wright and Monta Ellis led the team with 30 and 25 points respectively. The Warriors are 5-14 on the road but are gradually improving.

Wright and Ellis are playing very good basketball

Over his last 4 games, Wright is averaging 26.8 points per game on 59.1% shooting from the field. Wright is getting the opportunity to play and averages a solid 16.2 points per game on the season. Monta Ellis is the star of the team and the player to look for against the Magic. In fact he's the player to watch in most games, averaging 25.4 points and 5.5 assists per game. Ellis is shooting 39% from the 3 point mark and is a threat to any opponent. One key stat is that Ellis has only averaged 12 points per game in 3 career games versus the Magic. In order for Golden State to have any chance at all, he can't repeat those performances.

David Lee needs to hit the boards hard against Howard

Mr double-double, David Lee needs to box Dwight Howard out on the boards. Lee is the main source of rebounding at 10.1 per game and he's also a big man with a nice touch, averaging 15.0 points per game. His game is similar to Howard but Dwight Howard has more athleticism. Lee has the edge from the charity stripe but that's not enough. He's going to need a double figure rebounding performance against the Magic, The Warriors don't lack firepower, and therefore Lee's 15 points are less important than his double figure boards.

The Magic streak has been a team effort

They've beaten the likes of San Antonio, Boston, and the Knicks. Until their last win, the Magic have done it as a team. The Magic were on a 1-8 stretch and acquired some new players (lost their first two games with the newly acquired players) and have put it together. Management has done a great job because Turkoglu, Arenas, and Richardson have been fantastic, all averaging double figures in points and Turkoglu and Arenas really coming through from 3 point range. It was a great trade and to be expected. Turkoglu was with the Magic before and was a great fit previously and Gilbert Arenas at onetime was the best scorer in the league. Arenas got into legal trouble and Washington wanted to get rid of the person over the player.
One stat that stands out is that Jason Richardson is averaging 11.7 points in 7 games with the Magic but against the Warriors, has averaged 23.1 points in 10 games so look for him to potentially hit a solid game. Also, before his last outing, Dwight Howard only averaged 12.3 points in his previous 3 games.

What the Magic need

No more technical fouls for Dwight Howard. He's leading the league with 12 technical fouls and is drawing negative attention from the refs.

Noteable trends

• The Magic are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as favorite.
• The Magic are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall
• The Magic are 20-7-1 ATS in their last 28 games vs.the NBA Pacific
• The Warriors are 21-10-1 ATS in their last 32 games following a S.U, Loss
• The Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall
• The Warriors are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 meetings with the Magic

Outcome of the Game

Orlando is laying a lot of points (10). Golden State played Miami well and at one point had a huge 20 point lead over the Heat. The Magic are a defensive oriented team and the Warriors are all offense. It basically comes to which one of these two units wins out? The Warriors are on a long East Coast trip and the Magic are just starting to hit their stride with their new acquisitions, beating top level teams. I expect Orlando to continue the streak with good offense and defense. The Warriors should be held in check (except for Ellis) and the Magic will cover.

Free NBA Betting Pick: Orlando -10