Orlando Magic Los Angeles Lakers Game 5 Predictions
Written June 13, 2009 by Jason Lowry
It looked as though the Orlando Magic were going to tie the series 2-2, but a big 3-pointer from Derek Fisher and another poor performance in overtime have the Magic with their backs against the wall and the Los Angeles Lakers just one game away from another NBA Championship. Kobe Bryant led the way for the Lakers with 32 points, but the all-star was just 11-31 from the floor, but did help out his team with 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Both Pau Gasol and Trevor Ariza each had solid games with 16 points a piece, but the real hero was Fisher, who scored 12 points on the game but none bigger than the 3-pointer to tie it with just 4.6 seconds on the clock in regulation. The Magic can’t say they didn’t have their chances in this one, as Dwight Howard had two free throws that could of sealed the deal right before Fisher hit the big shot to tie the game. Howard finished the game with 16 points and 21 rebounds, but was just 6-14 from the free throw line. Hedo Turkoglu led the Magic in scoring with 25 points, but the team really could of used a better perfomance from Rashard Lewis, who had just 6 points on 2-10 shooting. Rafer Alston had 11 points and Michael Pietrus came off the bench to score 15 points, but no other player scored more than 6 points for the Magic. Game 5 is set for Sunday night in Orlando and here is a look at what I think each team needs to do to win the game, plus my prediction on who comes out on top against the spread.
What the Lakers need to do to win: It wasn’t exactly pretty for the Lakers in game 4, but the important thing is they were able to come away with the win. Bryant is a big part of the Lakers offense, but I really felt like he was forcing it at times in game 4. With just one win separating this team from another title, I think you can expect to see a very focused bunch, but this team has been known to have a let down when the game isn’t a must win for them. Lamar Odom started the series with two great games, but has struggled in the last two games, including game 4 where he scored just 9 points and played only 28 minutes because of foul trouble. The Lakers have done an outstanding job against Howard defensively in this series, but they can’t afford to let him find a groove, even if they are up 3 games to 1. As bad as Howard is shooting from the free throw line, I think the strategy should be foul whenever possible and make him beat you from the line. The Lakers have what it takes to win on the road, but it won’t be easy against the Magic on their home floor in a do or die situation. Bet the Lakers +3 to win game 5 at Sportsbook.com.
What the Magic need to do to win: The Magic came back to earth in game 4 shooting just 42% after setting and NBA record in game 3, and they are going to have to shoot the ball much better if they want to win game 5 and keep this series going. The Magic need a much better performance from Lewis if they want any hope of playing in a game 6 in LA. Lewis has to be around 20 points for this team, as they just don’t have enough scorers on this team. The two things I think that are huge for the Magic in game 5, is taking care of the basketball and making free throws. The Magic gave away 15 points by going 22-37 from the free throw line and gave the Lakers extra positions by turning the ball over 17 times. The Magic can win this game but will really have a hard time doing so if they fail to make the simple plays. Bet the Magic -3 to win game 5 at Sportsbook.com.
My Prediction: Magic -3. What a difference a couple shots have made in this series. If Courtney Lee makes a lay up in game 2 and Fisher fails to hit the big 3-pointer, the Magic are the team up 3-1 with a chance to end the series. I don’t think the Magic have a shot at coming back to win this series, but I have a pretty good feeling they win this game and LA closes out the series on their home floor in game 6.
For those of you looking to do some NBA betting on game 5, be sure to check out our expert NBA picks and grab the latest NBA odds for the big game at Betfirms.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- Orlando Magic Los Angeles Lakers Game 3 Predictions
- Los Angeles Lakers Orlando Magic Game 1 Predictions
- Orlando Magic Los Angeles Lakers Game 4 Predictions
- Los Angeles Lakers Orlando Magic Game 2 Predictions
- Orlando Magic Philadelphia 76ers Game 2 Predictions
Got something to say?
No comments yet, but your thoughts are welcome!