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The Golden State Warriors will play for the 3rd time in 4 nights when they take on the Magic in Orlando on Thursday night.
The Magic (28-34, 16-16 home) have been in good form recently, playing arguably their best basketball of the season. Before losing to the Knicks a couple of days ago, the Magic had 8 wins in 10 games – an impressive streak which brought them right back into playoff contention. However, the loss against the Knicks on Tuesday was really bad, and you have to wonder if the Magic can get back to winning ways, or if they will return to mediocrity.
The Warriors (43-18, 20-10 away) are coming after a dramatic loss in Miami last night, with Dwayne Wade hitting a miraculous off balance three pointer at the buzzer to seal it for the Heat. It wasn`t that bad of a loss for Golden State, as they probably deserved to win that game. The team is in good form recently and is slowly getting into playoff mode.
Bet on Magic vs Warriors and claim a 100% (120 Eur) welcome bonus at LSbet now!Team news: DeMarcus Cousins missed last night`s game for Golden State, but he is expected back for tonight, so the Warriors only have backup center Jones unavailable (out for the season). The Magic will be without Bamba, Fultz, Mozgov and possibly Briscoe.
The Warriors are quite a few levels above the Magic in terms of quality and talent, and normally they would be 1.20 – 1.25 favorites to win this match. However, the Dubs will be back to back on the road tonight, and it will also be their 3rd game in 4 nights – so that is why they are priced as high as 1.45 for the straight win.
This kind of tight schedule, and the back to back on the road factor, are never easy things to overcome – but even with this disadvantage the Warriors should have more than enough to win here. They are 6-2 in back to back situations this season, which shows they aren`t as affected by these situations as other teams are. We`re also coming after the All Star break, so legs shouldn`t be that tired. Not lastly, there was a pretty short flight of 200 something miles for the Warriors last night from Miami to Orlando.
There`s also the fact that Golden State should get DeMarcus Cousins back, and he will be an infusion of energy – as he`ll be fresh after resting last night in Miami.
Surely you must expect the Warriors to bounce right back here after last night`s fluke loss, this is not a team which loses two times in a row against average opposition. Healthy and with a chip on their shoulder, it would really be a massive surprise if they lost against the Magic – a team they beat in the last 11 meetings!
All things considered, my tip will be Golden State to win. I can`t say the handicap isn`t tempting as well at -6.0 points, and I believe the Warriors should cover it based on my analysis. But these days I`m feeling more comfortable with taking the safer bet, so in the end I`m recommending the straight win (with high stakes of 10 units). Prediction: Orlando Magic – Golden State Warriors 104 – 120.
Pick: Warriors
Odds: 1.43 @ 1xBet
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 4.30
Event date: 1 March
