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NBA Playoff Prediction: Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic |
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Written by Scott Burgess
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Wednesday, 07 May 2008
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 The Orlando Magic know what they need to do tonight when they host the Detroit Pistons in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference best of seven series. They need to play the perfect game. The Magic improved their play in Game 2 but still came up short losing 93-100. The Pistons lead the series 2-0. Oddsmakers for tonight’s game have the Magic as 4-point favorites over the Pistons with the over/under listed at 187. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at BetUS.com
The Magic found their touch in Game 1 after they made 11 of 26 3-pointers, including seven straight in the third quarter. But the Magic shot only 1 of 9 from long range in the decisive fourth quarter. Dwight Howard improved with 22pts and 18 rebounds in Game 2 after he had 12pts in Game 1. Jameer Nelson also finished with 22pts. Their bench wasn’t much help as they totaled 4pts. The main reason for their loss was the 19 turnovers compared to the Pistons 10. They have averaged 82 PPG during their last two games against the Pistons, compared to the 104 PPG against Toronto. If they want any chance of beating the Pistons they must remain consistent in the field and at their 3-pointshooting. They had the lead going into the fourth quarter, but they didn’t make nearly enough shots as they did in the third. The Magic are 3-0 SU at home in the playoffs and 3-4 ATS.
The Pistons are pleased with their 2-0 series lead but convinced they could do better. Detroit gave up a 12pt second quarter lead and even trailed 84-80 in the fourth on Monday before the Magic fell apart. Orlando made only two field goals in the game's last seven minutes after taking that four-point lead. Chauncey Billups was top producer with 28pts after making 8 of 19 from the field, 2 of 5 from the 3-point line and 10 of 10 free throws. Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace each finished with 17pts. They must improve on their 3-point shooting as they made only 4 of 12, highly unusual since they are stacked with 3-point shooters. The best thing going for the Pistons is their defense, they finished the regular season ranked 1st in points allowed, 2nd in 3-point prevention and 3rd in field goal prevention. In their last five games they’ve allowed their opponents an average of 81 PPG. They are 2-1 SU on the road in the playoffs, 6-2 SU overall in the playoffs and 5-0 ATS.
Recent Trends to Consider
- Pistons are 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Orlando.
- Pistons are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
- Pistons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win.
- Pistons are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
- Pistons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
- Magic are 3-14 ATS in their last 17 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5.
- Magic are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
- Over is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
GAME: Detroit Pistons (65-25) at Orlando Magic (56-33)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 07 - 8:00 PM EST
LINE: BetUS.com TOTAL: 187
PICK: Detroit +4
The Bottom Line: The Pistons are 9-0 SU against Orlando in the playoffs, due to the Pistons deep experience in the playoffs. They have too many talented players compared to the Magic’s’ one top player. Stop Howard, Pistons win! Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at BetUS.com
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