M. Cannon
Wednesday's Plays...
20 Dime –
MAGIC
Take the Magic minus the points in Game 3 of their series with the Pistons.
I’ve got to believe the Magic are going to come out in desperation mode tonight. To be honest, they gave a great effort in Game 2 and Detroit was lucky to come out of that game with the win, let alone cover.
The Magic poured it on in the 3rd quarter of Monday’s loss, posting 36 points. They avoided turnovers and didn’t force any shots and it paid off with that impressive run.
They are more than capable of doing that tonight on their home court.
Never underestimate the importance of home court advantage in the playoffs. There’s a reason this line is set where it is. Come on, the Pistons have beaten the Magic nine straight times in the playoffs and Orlando is still listed as a 3 to 3 ½ point favorite.
That tells you something right there.
The straight-up winner is 19-1-1 ATS in Orlando’s last 20 games and 16-0 ATS in Detroit’s last 16.
The Magic are going to win this game, folks. Not only are they going to do it, they’re going to cover this spread comfortably.
Take Orlando minus the points as they grab the win and cover.
10 Dime –
LAKERS
Let’s back the Lakers again in Game 2 of their series with the Jazz.
To be honest the Lakers didn’t even play their best in Game 1, yet were still able to not only win, but do so by double-digits.
That’s a scary thought if you’re a Jazz fan.
Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol have clicked together since day one, and their chemistry is a huge reason the Lakers are heavy favorites to get to the NBA championship series.
Los Angeles is 5-0 SUATS through its first five postseason games and tonight should make it six-for-six.
The Lakers have also gone 4-1 SUATS against the Jazz this year, and have won all three games at Staples Center by double-digit margins.
The host is also 8-3 SU and ATS in the last 11 meetings in this rivalry, and the winner has cashed in each of those 11 battles.
The Lakers are too deep, too talented and their chemistry is second to none right now.
Lay the points with the Lakers as they grab the win and cover.
PIRATES
Take the Pirates for the home win tonight over the Giants.
The Bucs put a 12-spot on the scoreboard in last night’s win over the Giants and I’d be surprised if they didn’t approach that number again tonight.
That’s because Barry Zito is starting for San Francisco and this guy has completely lost it as a pitcher. The left-hander is 0-6 with a 7.53 ERA in six games this year. He’s allowed 41 hits and walked 15 batters in just 28 2-3 innings.
The Pirates do feature a couple of hitters, namely Nate McLouth, Jason Bay and Xavier Nady who can do some damage to Zito tonight.
They’ve also been successful against the Giants overall, winning 11 of the last 13 meetings with them.
The Giants have lost six of their last nine games overall.
Take the Pirates as they grab the home win.<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->