The Cavaliers faced elimination for the first time in the 2009 NBA Playoffs in Game 5, but put their fishing poles on hold by defeating the Magic. Cleveland finally found a way to beat Orlando by closing out on their three-point shooters defensively; while getting its role players going offensively. Cavs F LeBron James scored 37 points to mark the second time he has failed to reach 40 in this series; incidentally, Cleveland won both of those contests. If the Cavaliers are to win in Orlando tonight they will need another solid performance from the supporting cast and a bench that scored 15 points in Game 5. The Cavs cover on Thursday was their first against the Magic in the L/10 meetings.
The Magic have the Cavs right where I predicted it before this series began and sure took some heat for being a “homer”. This game is a must-win for Orlando to reach the NBA Finals or they will be in deep trouble if there is a Game 7 in Cleveland. Magic F Rashard Lewis powered his team to a victory at home in Game 4 and turned in another solid performance on Thursday putting up 15 points with eight rebounds. Lewis has made every crucial shot of this series for Orlando and will be a big key to its success tonight in closing out Cleveland. The Magic have covered the L/5 spreads at home against the Cavs and are 4-1 ATS overall in this series.
My pick before the series was the Orlando Magic in six games and that hasn’t changed a bit as Cleveland winning games two and five on their home floor was part of the plan. Orlando has found a way to defeat Cleveland on its home floor for the last two seasons and I don’t expect tonight to be any different. Look for the Magic to take control of this contest early and answer any charge the Cavaliers might mount late in the game.
Rose 5-30-09
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