Orlando Magic at Portland Trail Blazers Betting Odds

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Orlando Magic(-2)
Game Total Line: (185)
(wagering lines available at 5Dimes)

Orlando (15-6, 7-13-1 ATS) has lost back-to-back games, ending a six-game winning streak. The Magic failed to cover either of those games; they lost 80-74 to Atlanta on Monday despite being 6.5-point favorites at home.

The offense has been horrific without Jameer Nelson. The club recently lost the services of Dwight Howard, Mickael Pietrus, J.J. Redick and Nelson to the flu. The first three returned to action but Nelson didn't, and it showed-badly.

Orlando has averaged scored just 85 and 74 points in its past two games. Nelson is averaging 14.9 points and 7.1 assists per game on the year, and his absence is proving just how big a catalyst he is in the Magic's scoring efforts. Chris Duhon has taken over since. The offseason pick-up was expected to give the club a boost, but he simply hasn't gotten the job done. Orlando had just nine assists against Atlanta (while shooting just 38 percent), so ball movement is clearly a problem. Thankfully, Nelson is expected to play against Portland.

Portland (10-11, 10-9-2 ATS) may be headed in the other direction. After melting down and losing six straight games, the Blazers have posted two straight victories. They beat Phoenix 106-99 on Monday, improving to 3-1 ATS over their last four outings.

Similar to the struggles in Orlando, Portland was having problems putting points on the board. Before the winning streak, the Trail Blazers went seven consecutive games without scoring 100 points or more, averaging just 86.7 per game in that span.

One of the pleasant surprises over the last week or so has been the emergence of guard Patty Mills. Typically glued to the pine, Mills has moved ahead of rookie Armon Johnson in the rotation. Mills is making an impact; against Phoenix, he set careers highs with 28 minutes player, nine points, seven assists and three rebounds. His efforts were especially important with point guard Andre Miller serving a one-game suspension.

Orlando and Portland split their two meetings last year, but the Magic hold a considerable edge over the past few seasons. Orlando is 7-3 in its last 10 games against the Blazers, including 6-3-1 ATS. The total went under both times they played last year. Bodog has set the total for Thursday's game at 185 points.

Benson ATS Prediction
Take the over 185 at Betus.