The Orlando Magic are coming off of the heels of perhaps their biggest win of the season. They recently just beat the L.A. Lakers in Orlando, in what should amount to a little confidence builder for them. As they fly high going into tonight's game, the same can't be said for their opponent tonight, the other team from L.A., the Clippers. The lowly Clippers are giving new meaning to the term, "cover machine"...that is, everyone who plays them has been easily covering. The Clippers enter Orlando tonight coming off the heels of three straight games where their smallest margin of defeat has been 17 points. They've lost their last 3
contests by a total of 64 points. So, what's it mean tonight that the Clippers are only getting 11.5 points? Well, it basically means the Magic will cover easy...but let's do the usual work anyway.
Sagarin rankings show us exactly what we already knew. The Magic are ranked 3rd in the league, while the Clippers check in tonight at 22nd. The Clippers are 5-19 SU vs the NBA's top 10 teams, and the Magic are 21-12 againts the NBA's bottom 16 teams. This means that the Magic are 23-8 SU against the NBA's worst 14 teams. This should come as no surprise, but nonetheless the way these two teams stack up tonight. It's also worthy of noting that, ATS, the Magic are the 14th ranked team in the NBA, while the Clippers are 22nd ranked. In terms of Home and Away being a matter when considering ATS numbers, the Magic are 16-14-1 ATS at home, while the Clippers are 12-19 ATS away from L.A.
As I mentioned before, these two teams couldn't be any more opposite than they are right now in terms of form and recent performances. While the Magic appear to be in complete cruise control mode right now, the Clippers are a crowd pleasing 5-15 their last 20 games, and at this point should really start considering mailing it in. By no means do I condone that type of play or anything, but I mean, it isn't as though teams don't do this, or at least consider doing this. Sure, they'll have to play competitively against the poorer teams they face, or risk being criticized by the league, etc etc etc...however, against teams like the Magic, in Orlando, this team should be in near full lay-down mode. Now, will they be? You would certainly think not, but what happens when this Clippers team gets down by 10 points before halftime? What if they are down 15? Certainly, they will then lack the intensity to keep fighting.
I think the Magic are riding a high wave right now, and rather than a let down, I think we'll see a lot of that energy flow over into this game and the adrenaline of the Magic should carry them to an easy victory, and a solid cover. I think this line should be closer to 14 points...so, get on it now, and let's enjoy a solid victory tonight as the Magic thump the Clippers in Orlando. BOL all.
My Pick: Orlando -11.5 at home vs. Clippers tonight. GL.
Orlando +11.5 Tonight
