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The Orlando Magic and the Brooklyn Mets will meet for the second time in this young NBA season, with both teams having somewhat surprisingly good starts so far.
The Magic (2-1, 1-0 home) suffered their only loss of the season to the Nets a few days ago, in what was actually the easiest game in their early schedule. That loss was sandwiched between fantastic wins against Miami (by 7 at home) and Cleveland (by 21 away!). The young Magic team has played some really good basketball and Nikola Vucevic is emerging as an all star caliber player in the league, averaging 27.7 points and 10.7 rebounds, on 68% shooting from the field (34 of 50) and 50% from 3-point range.
Brooklyn (2-1, 0-1 away) has been the worst team in the league last season and they were highly expected to repeat that negative feat this year – especially after conceding 140 points and losing their first game against the Pacers, when they also lost starting PG Jeremy Lin long term. However, the Nets had a surprising resurgence in the next two matches, beating Orlando by 5 points and Atlanta by 12 points (both at home).
Bet on ORL Magic v BKN Nets and get your 100% (100 Eur) freebet at Ohmbet now!Team news: The Magic are expected to get back starting PF Aaron Gordon, which is an integral part of the team. He`s listed as highly probable after missing the previous two games. Brooklyn will continue to miss Jeremy Lin after his injury in the season opener.
Both teams started well but the Magic are playing the better basketball, despite losing the direct meeting last week. Orlando defeated great teams like Miami and Cleveland, while the Nets had a very easy schedule to begin the season, playing three teams which aren`t even expected to challenge for the playoffs.
Brooklyn won by just 5 points at home a few days ago, and that was only due to free throws, rebounding and turnovers – all of which are variables which usually improve when you`re playing at home. The Magic should be better in those departments this time around, and BKN weaker, which could amount to a swing between 10 – 20 points. Obviously this is in high part speculation, but based on logic, experience and statistics.
While it`s true that the Magic shot amazingly good in that loss at Brooklyn, and chances are they won`t shoot as well again, they should still have a high percentage given how poor the Brooklyn defense is. Plus, the Nets also shot very well and their percentage should drop as well.
If Aaron Gordon returns for Orlando, as expected, that will be another big advantage for them in this matchup compared to the previous meeting.
All in all the Magic are a better team and are playing at home, so these factors alone should allow them to win the game. But they have other things going for them as well, particularly the excellent form they showed to begin the year and the confidence built after the recent win in Cleveland – confidence which is very important for a young team like them.
I`m going to bet on the Magic to keep the good run going, I reckon the Nets are currently punching a bit above their weight and benefited from an easy schedule, while the Magic are starting to look like they could do good things this year.
My tip is Orlando to cover the 4,5 point handicap. I find the point spread to be very accessible, particularly as this should be a high scoring game. Odds on the Magic are currently dropping. Prediction: Orlando Magic – Brooklyn Nets 119 – 106.
Pick: Magic -4,5
Odds: 1.91 @ Bwin
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 8.19
Event date: 24 October
