NBA Spreads: Detroit Pistons at Orlando Magic
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The Orlando Magic will go for their ninth straight win on their home floor when they host the Detroit Pistons Monday night. The Magic have won six straight against the Pistons, including a 90-79 win at Detroit back on Nov. 30.
The Pistons come into the game off an impressive 75-74 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Detroit outscored the Suns 28-13 in the final period to erase a 14 point deficit. The Magic won easily at Houston on Saturday 118-104, and have won three straight since losing to the Celtics l09-106 last Monday.
Taking a look the NBA spreads for tonight’s action, oddsmakers have the Magic favored by 12-points over the Pistons with the total sitting at 193. See if anyone has a play going in our NBA free picks section.
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When the Magic beat the Pistons earlier this season, they were without Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, and J.J. Redick, as all three were sick with the flu. This was also before the Orlando traded for Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson, and Gilbert Arenas.
The Pistons did a great job keeping the Suns offense in check, but it is going to take a big time defensive effort for Detroit to slow down the Magic. Orlando is averaging just over 106 points during their eight-game home winning streak, and 102.2 in their last five games against the Pistons.
Brandon Bass scored a career-high 27 points in the win against the Pistons earlier this season, but Detroit will likely be more worried about slowing down Howard, who had 22 points and 14 rebounds against the Rockets. Howard is averaging 26 points and 14 rebounds over his last eight games.
The Magic finished the game up against the Rockets with seven different players scoring in double figures, including a season-high 21 points from Turkoglu, who really has played well since joining the Magic this season.
The Pistons got 17 points and 13 rebounds from Tayshaun Prince in their last win against the Suns. Rodney Stuckey had just 11 points on 3-15 shooting. Will Bynum came off the bench to score 12 points.
While Detroit did a great job holding the Suns to just 74 points, there has to be some concern about their offense putting up just 77 points against a Phoenix defense that gives up 107.8 points a game this season. The Pistons now must face an Orlando defense that is allowing just 91 points a game at home
Detroit has lost their last two on the road, and are just 4-19 away from home this season. There is no question the Magic should win this game, but whether or not they cover the 12-point spread will likely depend on how serious they take Detroit. Orlando had to hold on for a 1-point win at home last Wednesday against the 76ers, and the Pistons nearly won at Boston last week, losing by just four points. I think you take the points, but this one could go either way.
For more help with who to take this season, check out what our expert NBA handicappers have to offer in their daily NBA picks.
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