Cleveland Cavaliers Orlando Magic Game 5 Predictions
Written May 28, 2009 by Jason Lowry
The Orlando Magic are just 1 win away from going back to the NBA Finals for the first the first time since 1995. The Magic took a commanding 3-1 series lead with their thrilling 116-114 overtime win in game 4. Dwight Howard was a force down low scoring 27 points with 14 rebounds, but he wasn’t the only Magic doing damage, as 4 other players reached double-figures. Rafer Alston played exceptionally well once again, scoring 26 points on 10-17 shooting. Rashard Lewis and reserver Michael Pietrus each scored 17, while Hedo Turkogle had a real solid game scoring 15 points with 8 assits and 7 rebounds. LeBron James continued to put up ridiculous numbers in this series, as the regular season MVP had 44 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists in game 4. Unfortunately for James it was the same story with his supporting cast. Mo Williams shot continues to be off, as the all-star guard scored 18 points on 5-15 shooting. Delonte West had 17 points and 7 asssits, while the big man Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 12 points and 9 rebounds. Game 5 heads back to Cleveland where the Cavs will look to keep their championship hopes alive. Here is a look at what I think each team needs to do to win game 5, plus my prediction on who comes out on top against the spread.Â
What the Magic need to do to win: I think the Magic have pretty much figured this series out, don’t worry about what James is going to, but instead keep the rest of the team from making shots. What makes the Magic so hard to guard is they have a number of guys who are scoring the basketball. Turkoglu was huge in game 4, and I think his play is crucial to the Magic having a shot at finishing out this series on the road. The Magic will also need Howard to be a beast down low, as he causes so many more problems for the Cavs defensively when he has it going. Lewis only took 9 shots in game 4, but still managed to hit one of the biggest 3-pointers of his career late in regulation, and he has to be hitting shots for the Magic to win. The play the Magic have got from Alston and Pietrus in there two wins at home was great, but I am a little worried they will struggle to get it going on the road. I think there is a decent chance the Magic can come in and win game 5. Bet the Magic +7.5 to win game 5 at Sportsbook.com.
What the Cavaliers need to do to win: It’s kind of sad to see the Cavs lose with the outstanding play they have got from James this series, but until someone other than James decided to show up and hit some shots, this team has no chance at making to the NBA Finals. Williams needs to score 20+ points for this team to really be effective. Delonte West had one of his better games in game 4, and the Cavs need him to play at that level or better in game 5. Where I think the Cavs are really hurting is in their post play, they just don’t have the talent down low to compete with Howard. The bench hasn’t made things any easier, as the Cavs really don’t have a guy who can come in and make some shots. One last thing is the defense for this team, as they continue to let the Magic do pretty much whatever they want offensively. The Magic shot 50% from the floor in game 4. The Cavs likely won’t have to do all these things to win at home in game 5, but they need to get a lot better as a team if they want to win a championship. Bet the Cavs -7.5 to win game 5 at Sportsbook.com.
My Prediction: Cavaliers -7.5. Even though the Cavs are down big in the series, they still have a shot at coming back with James on their side. I think the Cavs get a big win in game 5, and I think they do so in convincing fashion.Â
For those of you looking to do some NBA betting on the game this Thursday, be sure to check out our expert NBA picks and make sure you have the best NBA odds at Betfirms.
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One Response to “Cleveland Cavaliers Orlando Magic Game 5 Predictions”
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Right on the money, pal.
It is sad to see the Cavs literally snowball in this series after eight straight wins in two previous series. Although Atlanta is clearly not an Orlando, as a Cavs fan I expected much better.
It is true the rest of the team needs to bring out their shot rather than leave it in the locker room, or even worse their hotel rooms.
Truthfully, I am reminded of Micael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls when I look at Cleveland’s overall numbers next to James from game four. Recall a stretch of time when Jordan would score obscenely against an opponent, yet the Bulls still managed to drop the ball (pun intended).
However, shutting down the Magic offense is clearly key for the Cavs to have any hope of pulling out of this clear doldrum of losses. Forcing the turnover will create more shot oppotunities. Then all the rest of the Cavs aside from James is put the ball in the hoop. I hope they can do that, at of all places at home.
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