NBA Predictions: Can the Cavaliers cover the spread vs. the Magic? 4/4/17

Magic vs. Cavaliers Pick

Will the Cleveland Cavaliers avoid another letdown performance when it hosts the Orlando Magic tonight at 7PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Cavs are the clear favorite in this one, as they are getting odds of -9 points against the Magic. The over/under total for the game is listed at 220.5 points. Cleveland has won both meetings with Orlando, covering in the 116-104 win at Orlando on March 11, while failing to cover in a 105-99 win at home on Oct. 29.

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The Cavs are in need of wins if they hope to be the top-seeded team in the East. They are currently 49-27 on the season and ½ a game behind the Celtics for the top spot. Cleveland has won its last two games, but the Cavs are just 2-8 against the spread in their last 10 to fall to 33-40-3 against the spread. Cleveland averages 110.3 points per game on offense while allowing 107 on defense. Over its last 5, Cleveland is giving up 112.8 points per game while scoring 107.8. LeBron James is logging a lot of minutes right now and leading the team with 26.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game. Kyrie Irving is adding 25.1 points and 5.7 assists per contest.

The Magic are out of the playoffs at 27-50 overall. They have lost four straight coming into today and are just 1-3 against the spread during this losing streak. Orlando sits at 30-46-1 against the spread. On the season, Orlando averages just 100.9 points per game while allowing 107 on defense. Over its last five games, the Magic are putting up 112 games on offense and giving up 114 on defense. Evan Fournier is leading the team with 17.1 points per game while Nikoa Vucevic adds 14.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per contest.

Bet on Magic vs. Cavaliers

The Cavs have been struggling, but still finding ways to win over the last week. Orlando has nothing to play for and is on the road, which isn’t a good mix. Normally, the Cavs would be favored by much more, but because they aren’t covering, the spread is single digits. Because of that, I think it’s okay to jump on Cleveland today and ride them to a big cover.

 

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: CLEVELAND CAVALIERS -9