Miami Heat at Orlando Magic 2011 NBA Preview, Odds, and Predictions: MVP LeBron James will lead the Miami Heat on the road to the Amway Center to take on Dwight Howard and his Orlando Magic on Thursday night at 8:00 PM ET on TNT Sports. The Magic enter the game coming off a loss at 31-18 3rd in the Southeast while the Heat have won three straight and come in at 34-14 good for 1st in the Southeast and a 3.5 game lead over Orlando. LeBron is still irked over some remarks prior to the season by Magic President Otis Smith that said “I thought he was, I guess, more of a competitor” regarding LeBron’s decision to join the Heat.
“The simple fact that it’s a division opponent, that means a lot,” James said. “Trying to win your division is very key. And also playing exceptionally well on the road is definitely key. That definitely helps later on in the season. And being an Orlando team that basically said a lot of things about us in the offseason, that definitely adds a little bit to the fire.” “We’re looking forward to the challenge, should be fun” James said. The odds makers at BookMaker have the Orlando Magic a – 1 point favorite at home against the Miami Heat.
The Heat’s 3 game win streak continued at home 117-90 over the Cleveland Cavaliers recently moving them to 22-25-1 ATS for the season a respectable number since they are almost always favored even on the road. Dwayne Wade led the way with 34 points 7 rebounds and 5 assists while James added 24 points 4 boards and 8 dimes. Big Z chipped in at center with 12 points and 14 rebounds against his former team while Chris Bosh added 10 points and pulled down 7 boards. The total has gone OVER in 6 of last 7 games on the road. Vegas odds makers have the Miami Heat +200 to win the 2010-2011 NBA Championship.
Orlando dropped its last game 100-97 at the Memphis Grizzlies to move to 20-27-2 ATS for the season. Center Dwight “Superman” Howard scored 25 points and pulled down 14 boards to lead 6 Magic players in double figure scoring. The total has gone UNDER in 6 of last 7 games at home. Vegas odds makers have the over/under for the total score at 197 1/2 points combined of the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic.
I predict a Heat victory on the road!
Note: Rich Fritz is a Blog Writer on NSAwins.com and not a pro handicapper. For expert NFL Football Predictions against the Vegas spreads please visit the NSAwins.com homepage for top predictions today from the National Sports Advisors.