NBA Picks Lakers vs Magic Game 4 NBA Finals Odds: Kobe Bryant looks to redeem himself tonight, Thursday June 11, after a poor fourth quarter allowed the Orlando Magic to win Game 3 108-104. The Magic are now 5-0 in their last five home games dating back to Game 6 of their Celtics series. NBA Picks odds makers at Sportsbook.com have the Magic as -2.5 point home favs over the Lakers with the over/under set at 201.5 points. Be sure to get your NBA Picks on the Lakers vs Magic Game 4 2009 NBA Finals Odds in now at Sportsbook.com
The Lakers fourth quarter killer, Kobe Bryant, faltered big time making 2 of 6 from the field, missing all 3-point attempts and had the ball stolen on a crucial possession in the last 30 seconds. Kobe was offended by remarks that he has “hit the wall”. "As far as me hitting the wall, so what if I did?" Bryant wondered. "I didn't, but so what if I did?" What does it mean if you did? "It means nothing," he countered. Despite Kobe’ 31pts their other top producers were Pau Gasol with 23pts and Trevor Ariza added 13pts. Off the bench Lamar Odom was good for 11pts as well as Jordan Farmar’s 11pts. On a good note for the Lakers, after a playoff loss they are 6-0 and the Magic expect Kobe to be firing on all cylinders. "We have to understand," Magic guard Rafer Alston said, "He's not one to let it happen on back-to-back occasions." But even though the Lakers were bad in the fourth and the Magic shot lights out, the Lakers only lost by four points. Expect more from Kobe tonight.
The Magic completely outshot the Lakers making a playoff high 62.5% from the field. During one stretch in the opening half, Orlando made a remarkable 21 of 24 shots. Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy had no explanation for his team's record-setting shooting spree. The Magic shot just 29.9 percent in Game 1 and 41.8 percent in Game 2. "Our ball movement was good, but I don't care how good your ball movement is and the quality of shot you get," he said. "You're not going to put the ball in the basket at that rate very often. But it's one of those nights, thankfully, that a lot of shots went down." Dwight Howard looked like Superman making 5 of 6 from the field, 11 of 16 at the line and pulled down 14 rebounds to finish with 21pts. Their other top scorers were Rashard Lewis with 21pts, while Rafer Alston added 20pts. Mickael Pietrus was great off the bench with 18pts after making 7 of 11 from the field. The big question will be can the Magic repeat what they did in Game 3, which will be hard to do as the Lakers will be stepping up their defense.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Lakers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. loss.
- Over is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Orlando.
- Lakers are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Orlando.
- Road team is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
- Underdog is 8-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
NBA Picks: Lakers vs Magic Game 4 NBA Finals Odds
When: Thurs, June 11, 2009 9:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Lakers +2.5
Point-Spreads.com NBA Picks: Lakers vs Magic Game 4 NBA Finals Odds
The Bottom Line: Kobe is going to have that scowl look back on his face tonight, and he is going to shoot lights out. Go Lakers! Be sure to get your NBA Picks: Lakers vs Magic Game 4 NBA Finals Odds in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit.
