The Orlando Magic apologized about their lackluster effort in Game 5 and their promising a better effort tonight, May 14, in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-finals between the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic. The Celtics can close out the best of seven series tonight with a win and set up a final with the Cleveland Cavaliers. NBA oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Magic as -7 point home favs over the Celtics with the over/under set at 190 pointsOrlando Magic vs Boston Celtics Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com
The Celtics rallied back from a third quarter 59-67 deficit to beat the Magic 92-88. Glen Davis had a 22pt night, while Paul Pierce added 19pts 9 rebounds and the Celtics bench added a combined 26pts. They were a perfect 100% (21-21) from the line, while Stephon Marbury had the best game as a Celtic hitting 5 of 10 from the field and 1 of 2 from the arch. Fan fav Brian Scalabrine has been an inspiration off the bench, but they can’t let up for even a second. "Are we fortunate to be ahead in this series? Yes," Celtics forward Brian Scalabrine. "Like Kevin Garnett says, we make our own luck here in Boston." One stat going the Celtics way is they are 32-0 when it takes a 3-2 lead in a best-of-seven series and 17-3 in Game 7’s at home. The Celtics strategy for tonight, simple, cover Howard like white on rice and force him to shoot free throws.
The Magic gave up Game 5 due to Dwight Howard not getting the rock enough. He ended with with a low 12pts 17 rebounds after making 5 of 10 in the paint. After their loss Howard met with Van Gundy and apologized, but did not retract his statements, after publicly challenging the coach's strategy in their Game 5 collapse. "Getting the ball shouldn't be a big issue for me," Howard said. "There's more ways to dominate the game than scoring. Me and coach, we talked about that. I just can't let my frustrations get to the point where I'll say anything." "I will say it's tough to win when all season long you play inside out and you trust one of the people that got you off to a good season," Howard said after Game 5. "I think I'm capable of scoring in the post, so you know, I just don't think 10 shots, I don't wanna say it's all about offense. You gotta dominant player, let him be dominant." Van Gundy did not take the comments lightly. He insisted that Howard needs to be more adamant about demanding the ball with his play and would like to see his center maintain a high effort. Howard didn't take a shot after hitting a running hook with 6:50 remaining. You can bet that Howard will be the main focus for the Magic tonight. Howard usually averages 20 ppg and must command the ball.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Orlando.
- Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
- Home team is 24-11 ATS in the last 35 meetings.
- Celtics are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 road games.
- Celtics are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
- Magic are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
- Magic are 4-13 ATS in their last 17 vs. NBA Atlantic.
2009 NBA Playoffs Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics
When: Thurs, May 14, 2009 7:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Celtics +7
Point-Spreads.com 2009 NBA Playoffs Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics
The Bottom Line: The Celtics will throw everything they have at Howard and they’ll play the way they have been during the playoffs. Go Celtics! Be sure to get your 2009 NBA Playoffs Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit.
