2009 NBA Playoffs: Orlando Magic vs Philadelphia 76ers Game 2

Written by Scott Burgess

Wednesday, 22 April 2009

The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Orlando Magic, 100-98 on the road, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs. This was the first win for the 76ers in four tries and to top it off, it’s a playoff road win. The Magic look for revenge tonight, April 22, when they host the 76ers. NBA oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Magic as -10.5 point home favs over the 76ers with the over/under set at 193.5 points. Be sure to get your 2009 NBA Playoffs Orlando Magic vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com

The 76ers relied on veteran Donyell Marshall to getter done in Game 1 as age and experience trumped youth. A 15-year NBA veteran helped the Sixers' rally from 18 points down to win Game 1. Marshall's 11 points all came in the fourth quarter, including the tying 3-pointer in the final minute. It wasn’t just the veteran, it was also their bench. Philadelphia coach Tony DiLeo used 11 players against Orlando. The Sixers bench outscored the Magic's reserves 42-13, as they now have home-court advantage. Louis Williams had 18 points off the bench and veteran Theo Ratcliff did well to defend Dwight Howard. Their top producing starters were Andre Iguodala with 20pts 8 assists and 8 rebounds, while Andre Miller added 15pts and Thaddeus Young had 14pts. For the second straight year, the Sixers find themselves up 1-0 against a heavy favorite. They took Game 1 from Detroit a year ago before losing the series in six games. Philly believes this year's Game 1 was no fluke and they've learned from those mistakes. "I think we're a year together," DiLeo said. "We have a year's experience. A lot of our players have grown. We have to have the right mind-set, and I think we will show it. I know we will."

The Magic definitely didn’t have Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis at 100%, and it showed. Both are the second leading scorers behind Howard but were held to a combined 21pts. They still aren’t healthy, but it’s the playoffs. Turkoglu said he's not close to being healthy and likely would miss time if this was a regular-season game, and Lewis' knee problems are always a mystery. Adding insult to Injury Dwight Howard had his eyes gouged and is still feeling the effects, his eyes are red and blurry with a pulsating sensation. But he’s still going to play. The Magic’s top producers in Game 1 were Dwight Howard with 31pts 16 rebounds, while Courtney Lee added 18pts and Rafer Alston and Rasard Lewis each contributed 15pts apiece. Dwight Howard was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Recent Trends to Consider:

76ers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Southeast.
76ers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest.
Magic are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Magic are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Magic are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Magic are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.
Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Orlando.
Underdog is 24-11 ATS in the last 35 meetings.

2009 NBA Playoffs Orlando Magic vs Philadelphia 76ers
When: Wed, April 22, 2009 7:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: 76ers +10.5

Point-Spreads.com 2009 NBA Playoffs Orlando Magic vs Philadelphia 76ers

The Bottom Line: The Magic might get the win, but the 76ers will cover after putting on a great show in Game 1. Go Sixers! Be sure to get your 2009 NBA Playoffs Orlando Magic vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit