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The Los Angeles Lakers will head down to Orlando to take on the Magic on Monday night. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Lakers-Magic prediction and pick.
Los Angeles has struggled down the stretch, losing three straight and four of their last five games coming in. They have to be ecstatic to have Anthony Davis back on the floor and will now just work to get their chemistry back before the postseason. Orlando has been underwhelming to say the least, losing five straight and nine of their last 10 games. Which team will finally get back on track as the season quickly comes to an end?
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Lakers-Magic odds.
NBA Odds: Lakers-Magic Odds
Los Angeles Lakers -10 (-110)
Over 211 Points (-110)
Under 211 Points (-110)
Why The Lakers Could Cover The Spread
The Los Angeles Lakers have been tested time and time again this season. After a brilliant start to the season, Los Angeles lost LeBron James and Anthony Davis for an extended period of time. They struggled at first without their big-two on the court before hitting a stride as they learned how to play with each other. They now have Anthony Davis back on the court and will have to relearn how to play with their ball-dominant forward on the floor. The Lakers have struggled of late, losing three straight and four of their last five games coming in.
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Los Angeles is coming off of a tough loss against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. They lost by 15 on the road, but saw some promising performances from key role players. Ben McLemore drained six three's and scored 20 points to lead the way. Anthony Davis had a mediocre return to the lineup with 17 points and Dennis Schroder registered a double-double in the defeat. The Lakers will have to shoot the ball better as a team as they shot just 38% from the field. Los Angeles is 32-11 as the favorite this season and will hope to use this game as a platform to catapult off of down the stretch.
Why The Magic Could Cover The Spread
There is no sugarcoating it. The Orlando Magic have been ice-cold lately. The Magic have lost 11 of their last 12 games and will be hoping to avoid a sixth-straight loss against the Lakers. This team simply lacks the star power and veteran presence to play consistent basketball and the NBA odds in this one are an indicator of that. Their most recent home loss came against the Indiana Pacers. The 19-point defeat was demoralizing as the team shot just 39% from the field and 10-32 from beyond the arc. Four players did score in double figures, which has to be a bright spot.
Dwayne Bacon led the way for the Magic with 20 points. Big man Mo Bamba added 17 points off the bench and Cole Anthony and RJ Hampton each scored 14 points in the loss. Despite the recent struggles, Orlando is surprisingly in a nice bounce-back spot at home against Los Angeles. The Magic have gone 6-1 in their last seven home games against the Lakers. Orlando has won three of the last five games head-to-head and haven't lost by double-digits in either of the two defeats.
Final Lakers-Magic Prediction & Pick
One would have to imagine that the Lakers see this as a must-win game. Los Angeles has looked lifeless during their recent losing streak and has to know the importance of getting hot with the playoffs just around the corner. A big double-digit win could be what turns things around for the Lakers. Los Angeles has a clear talent advantage and is surprisingly healthy coming in. My gut tells me that Anthony Davis will bounce back in a huge way for his team in a decisive victory against the reeling Orlando Magic. Lakers win big on the road.
FINAL PICK: Los Angeles Lakers -10 (-110)
