| 2009 NBA Playoffs: Philadelphia 76ers vs Orlando Magic Game 3 |
|
|
|
| Written by Scott Burgess | |||||||
|
Friday, 24 April 2009
|
|||||||
 The Philadelphia 76ers think they have home court advantage after splitting the best of seven series 1-1 against the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The action heads into Philly tonight, April 24, where the Magic lead the Sixers 2-0, in Philly, during regular season play. NBA oddsmakers at Bodog.com have the Magic as -3.5 road favs over the Sixers with the over/under listed at 191.5 points. Be sure to get your 2009 NBA Playoff Philadelphia 76ers vs Orlando Magic Pick in now at Bodog.comThe Magic tied Cleveland and Boston for the second-best road record in the NBA this season at 27-14, just two games behind the Lakers. The Magic played better on the road than the Sixers did at home (24-17). Orlando also won both meetings in Philadelphia. What the Magic want to do is do what they've done all year: Win on the road. "We're now in a five-game series and they have the home court," Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy said. "That's what you're up against. We're obviously going to have to go up there and win." The Sixers stole Game 1 from the Magic after Andre Iguodala made a 22 footer with 2.2 seconds left to get the win. In Game 2 the Sixers closed within five points and fouled out Howard, but the Magic kept Philadelphia at bay. The Magic have problems closing out games and with Philly at home where the crowd will be rocking they should be able to getter done. As a team, in Game 2, the Magic shot 43% from the field, 26.1% at the arch and 73.3% at the line. The Sixers Iguodala has continued his consistent play with 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in 45 minutes in Game 2, after he had only one point at halftime. "I think the biggest thing is that he's confident," Miller said. "He's playing with a lot of confidence and you can see it on the court." The Sixers built their offense around Miller, Iguodala and forward Thaddeus Young, but they don't particularly care who puts the points up. "We have to keep playing as a unit," said Young, who had 20 points in Game 2. "We have to move the basketball and play unselfish. It's not about who scores. We have to rebound and defend." In Game 2, as a team they shot 46.7% from the field, 31.2% beyond the arch and 66.7% from the line. During the regular season the Sixers were averaging 97.7 ppg and giving up an average 93.6 ppg. Recent Trends to Consider:
2009 NBA Playoff Philadelphia 76ers vs Orlando Magic When: Fri, April 24, 2009 8:00 PM ET Line: Bodog.com Pick: Sixers +3.5 Point-Spreads.com 2009 NBA Playoff Philadelphia 76ers vs Orlando Magic The Bottom Line: The Sixers got a big boost winning game 1 so they know they can beat them again. Home court will help. Go Sixers! Be sure to get your 2009 NBA Playoff Philadelphia 76ers vs Orlando Magic Pick in now at Bodog.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit                        |
|||||||