Atlanta at Orlando Game 1

The Orlando Magic are in the Playoffs yet again and have first round home court advantage over the Atlanta Hawks.  The Magic finished with a very good record despite major trades and lineups changes halfway through the season. They finished with a 52-30 record.  Their first round opponents, the Atlanta Hawks, had a decent season as well.  They finished 44-38 straight up.  Against the spread this season, both teams are below .500.  Orlando was always overrated this season and sports bettors taking them suffered.

The spread for game 1 is Orlando -8.5. It seems a bit high. But the city of Orlando loves these playoff games. They have no other major sports in town so this is their Super Bowl in a way.  Orlando averages five points better per game than Atlanta and allows 2 points less on average. That is a seven point differential right there. Add in the home court and the crazy crowd at Orlando and that is at least an extra basket.  We like Orlando to win and cover this game.

As far as Over/Under, it is listed at 180.  And the playoffs also bring in a whole new defensive attitude in the NBA.  But even with that we say the OVER is a solid bet.  Many NBA bettors stay away from Over/Unders in the first round of NBA playoffs to see which teams start playing better defense.  This may be a wise decision.  When it comes to NBA playoff betting look for home team underdogs and teams with defensive minded coaches and betting the under in big games. They typically slow down the ball and set up offensive plays more.


Atlanta:
Team record: 44-38 SU, 37-45 ATS

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 5 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of last 15 games on the road

When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Orlando are 3-7
After playing Charlotte are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7

Orlando:
Team record: 52-30 SU, 34-46-2 ATS

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of last 8 games at home
is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta

When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing are 7-3
After playing Indiana are 5-5
After a win are 6-4

Next up:
Atlanta at Orlando, Tuesday, April 19
Orlando home to Atlanta, Tuesday, April 19