Mavericks vs. Magic: Dallas Closes Out a Back-to-Back Situation in the Sunshine State

Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic
Friday, 3/30/12, 8:00 PM EST, TV: ESPN
Opening Point Spread: Orlando -5
Current Betting Line: Orlando -5.5
Opening Total: 186.5
Current Total: 186.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Orlando Magic are 15-11 ATS at home during the 2011-12 campaign

Dallas will finish off a back-to-back set in the Sunshine State after dropping a 106-85 contest to the Miami Heat as eight-point road underdogs last night. The Mavericks have had troubles scoring points of late, failing to hit the century mark in four of the last five games, while putting up 101 points in an overtime game in that span. On the defensive end, the team has allowed 104.2 points per game over its last six road games, which is drastically higher than its season average of 93.3. Dallas is 0-4 ATS versus Southeast division opponents this year.

The Mavericks have won 12 of the last 17 overall meetings in this series, including the last five in Orlando. Dallas has dropped nine of its last 11 road games, but is 5-2 ATS away from the Lone Star State as an underdog of 3.5 to 6 points this year. All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki scored a team-high 25 points last night, as he’s gone over the 20-point mark in nine of his last 10 games. He is averaging 21.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game on the season.

Orlando returns home after splitting a two-game road trip, which includes a disappointing 108-86 loss to the New York Knicks as 1.5-point favorites on Wednesday night. “It’s the same thing I’ve been telling the guys: Our effort has to be consistent,” commented Magic center Dwight Howard about the loss. He leads the team in scoring 20.9 points and grabbing 14.5 rebounds per game. The franchise is 18-8 at home this season, including a 4-3 mark versus Western Conference opponents. Orlando is 5-0 ATS after allowing 105 points or more this season.

The Magic are 23-23 all-time against the Mavericks and have split the last six regular-season meetings. Orlando will definitely want to get the ball inside to Howard against tonight’s opponent, as he’s averaged 30.0 points and 16.7 rebounds in his last three home games in this series. Ryan Anderson and Hedo Turkoglu will need to bounce back from a rough performance against the Knicks, combining for just eight points and six rebounds.