Portland Trail Blazers at Orlando Magic

Betting Odds

Orlando (40-23, 28-33-2 ATS) had won four consecutive games before Friday’s 89-81 loss to the Chicago Bulls. The Magic failed to cover as a two-point favorite, giving the team just one cover in its last three games against the spread.

The Magic were crushed on the glass by Chicago, getting outrebounded 50-30. that’s absolutely brutal news considering the team will be without its best rebounder and defender, Dwight Howard, against Portland.

Howard was nailed with his 16th technical foul of the season against the Bulls, meaning an automatic one-game suspension. Orlando never replaced backup center Marcin Gortat after trading him in December, leaving Brandon Bass and Malik Allen to take over on Monday night.

In all likelihood, Orlando will opt to go with a small-ball lineup against the Bulls. It is especially disappointing since Howard was playing so well. He was recently named Eastern Conference player of the month after averaging 26.6 points, 14.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in February.

Portland (25-27, 30-28-4 ATS) is coming off back-to-back wins, including a 93-69 romp over the Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday. The Trail Blazers covered both times, bouncing back from a recent four-game skid against the spread.

Brandon Roy has struggled since returning from knee surgery. He’s shooting just 40 percent from the field while averaging 8.6points and 1.0 assists in five games. Roy is coming off the bench and averaging fewer than 20 minutes per game, and it’s hard to say whether he can regain his explosiveness.

In the meantime, the team has turned to fan-favorite Patty Mills to give the club a boost. Mills is averaging 13.0 points over Portland’s past two victories, and he hit four of his seven three-point attempts in the win over Charlotte. Don’t be surprised to see Mills’ minutes keep growing.

Orlando has won six of its past 10 games against Portland, including a very slim 5-4-1 edge against the spread. The Blazers have won the past two meetings, however, and covered both times. One of those games came earlier this season, a 97-83 home win in early December. That game went under the total, the third straight time it has when the Magic and Blazers have faced off. Sportsbook.com has the total for Monday’s game set at 187.5 points.

Point Spread Pick

Take the Trail Blazers +3 at SportsInteraction and grab a free $125 to bet!