Atlanta at Orlando
Time: 7 PM ET, Jan 22, 2014
Spread: ATL -5.5
Total: 201

Betting odds courtesy of Bovada

The 11-31 Orlando Magic have had a rough going on both ends of the court, ranking 23rd in scoring (95.9 points per game) and 20th in points allowed (101.9). The team has a number of promising players but is in just the second year of a rebuild following the trade of Dwight Howard. The Magic will host the Atlanta Hawks tonight in a game NBA oddsmakers at Bovada are favoring the visiting Hawks by 5.5 points.

The Magic have lost 11 of its past 12 contest and dropped 101-90 to Brooklyn last night (Tuesday). Reserve Kyle O’Quinn had a fine night for the Magic with 15 points and eight rebounds in 24 minutes of play. The Magic kept the ball distributed among its players, as star shooting guard Arron Afflalo attempted just nine field goals.

Afflalo ranks 15th in the NBA in scoring and is in the conversation for All-Star reserves, but the Magic’s poor record certainly impairs his chances. Victor Oladipo got the start at the point and the rookie had 10 points and five assists, with just one turnover. Turnovers have been problematic for the youngster, but as he gains experiences some of those rough edges will be cleaned up.

Atlanta is 21-19 on the season, which is about the same place the Hawks always are. Josh Smith left in free agency, but the team replaced him with Paul Millsap almost imperceptibly. Millsap has averaged 17.5 points and 8.3 rebounds in 33 minutes a night. Al Horford is still rock steady and consistent, averaging 18.6 points and 8.4 boards per game.

Jeff Teague is quietly becoming a very good NBA point guard and is averaging 16.3 points and 7.6 assists per game. The Hawks have those nice pieces, but will need to use its cap room to find a star to carry the team. Horford is an All-Star, but the Hawks must get a perimeter player capable of posting big scoring numbers and isolating in late-game situations.

Atlanta Trends: 0-4 ATS in last 4 road games vs teams with losing home records; OVER 6-1 in last 7 games vs teams with winning percentage below .400; OVER 11-2 in last 13 after allowing 100 points or more in previous game.

Orlando Trends: 1-7 ATS in last 8 when opponent scores 100 points or more in previous game; 1-6 ATS in last 7 when following an SU loss of 10-points or more; UNDER 22-4 in last 26 vs teams with winning SU records

Head-to-head: Hawks 8-2 ATS in last 10 meetings in Orlando; Hawks 15-5 ATS in last 20 meetings; UNDER 10-4 in last 14 meetings in Orlando.