Orlando Magic AT Philadelphia 76ers
April 11, 2011 at 7 PM EST
Opening Line:  Phi -2.5
Current Line:  Phi -2
Opening Total:  192
Current Total:  190.5
Opening Moneyline:  Phi -145 / Orl +125
Current Moneyline:  Phi -130 / Orl +110

The Magic probably have never been happier with the outcome being a loss than they were last night in their 3 point loss to the Bulls.  Dwight Howard sat out serving his 2nd suspension this season due to technicals.  With the Magic having literally no backup center at all, Stan Van Gundy started forward Ryan Anderson, who responded with 28 points, 10 rebounds (7 offensive), and 1 block.  It was a nice sight to see that the Magic can compete without Howard.  Last time he served a suspension against Portland, the Magic lost by 4.  With Chicago being the top team in the East in terms of record right now, the game spoke volumes for the Magic.

“I think we just know how good a team we are,” Ryan Anderson said following the loss. “I think when we come out and play the entire game like we did tonight, I think we can play against anybody.”

The Magic did suffer a momentary heartbreak when Jameer Nelson’s game tying three was waived off because he shot it after the horn.  For the Magic, it just showed how close they really were to defeating the Bulls, which would have been a complete shock to most of the league as many label the Magic a “one man team.”

The Magic have won 9 of the last 10 matchups in Philadelphia and knocked the Sixers out of the playoffs in 2009.  The 76ers have not reached the 100 point mark in their last 4 games, but coach Doug Collins isn’t throwing a panic flag yet.  “We’re just a little bit off-kilter right now,” said Collins. “We’re not as connected as we’ve been. Our rotation is a little screwed up right now.”

Philadelphia will face either Miami or Boston in the first round.  “I’m personally anxious (for the playoffs),” center Elton Brand said. “I hope we’re not looking ahead. Maybe that has a little bit to do with (the recent struggles).”

Some betting trends:

Orlando is 8-4 SU in their last 12 games and they are 4-14 ATS in their last 18 games.  The total has gone OVER in 4 of the last 5 road games and Orlando is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 on the road.  Orlando is 9-1 SU in their last 10 against the Sixers and they are 5-0 SU in their last 5 road games against Philadelphia.

The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia’s last 7 games and they are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.  Philadelphia is 16-6 SU in their last 22 at home and they are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 at home. Philadelphia is 1-9 SU in their last 10 against the Magic and they are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 against Orlando.  Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in their last 5 home games against the Magic and they are 1-4 ATS in those 5 games.

Key Matchups:

Key matchups:

Jrue Holiday vs Jameer Nelson & Gilbert Arenas

Holiday is one of the franchise cornerstones of the 76ers and he has shown why this season.  Averaging 14.6 points per game on the year and 6.6 assist per game, he had a horrible game against the Magic last time, scoring only 5 points on 2 of 7 shooting and recording 5 assists.  While he is significantly taller than the supposedly 6’0″ Nelson (Holiday is 6’4″), he will have his match size-wise against Arenas, but will have instead a speed advantage against Arenas.  Either way, Holiday should have a much better game tonight, as his career average against the Magic is more than double what he produced last meeting (10.5 ppg and 5.3 apg career vs the Magic).  Nelson’s defense has improved lately and he will have a true litmus test tonight against Holiday.  Nelson is averaging a career hgih 6.7 assists per game this year, a full assist better than his previous best.

Andre Iguodala vs Hedo Turkoglu

Iguodala should be able to apply significant pressure on Turkoglu tonight and possibly force the ball out of his hands some, leaving Nelson to initiate the half court offense.  Hedo has been playing the role of a point forward for the Magic and recently recorded his career high game in assists with 17 in a win over Dallas.  His scoring has been erratic and inconsistent, and he has scored under 13 in his past 8 games.  It won’t get any easier against Iguodala, who frequently gives the very best small forwards problems.

Orlando is the better team, but they are coming off a game last night.  Dwight Howard, however, will be fresh after serving his suspension.  Perhaps his energy can drive his teammates to push themselves, despite the fact that the Magic can move neither up nor down in the Eastern Conference standings.