What are the chances the Indiana Pacers have in overtaking the Orlando Magic in the NBA Eastern Conference playoff race? Slim and none, but mathematically possible. The Pacers must sweep their final three games against the Nets, Hawks and Wizards; not exactly murderers row but still a challenge. Then Indiana must pray for some help from Orlando, sitting pretty with a two game lead with three games to go. Three game winning streaks are a rarity for the Pacers having only had three such stretches this season.
The Magic appear to be in great shape to hold onto the final playoff berth. Two of their final three games are at home starting Sunday against the conference weakling Boston followed by a trip to Washington D.C. to play the Wizards on Tuesday and a home finale against the rival Miami Heat on Wednesday. With a win over Boston tonight coupled with a Pacers loss to New Jersey, the Magic will claim the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. If Orlando loses today and Indiana wins, things could get interesting with the Pacers having the easier schedule in their final two games.
In what was a -10 ½ point side favoring the Magic, the betting line has since moved out to -12 ½ with the money line taken off the board. What this equates to is almost a sure SU win for the Magic. The total is set at 191 across the offshore wagering board.
The Pacers are favored by -6 ½ points Sunday afternoon in their game with the Nets having already clinched a spot in the playoffs; however, with only a single game lead over Orlando they could lose playoff position if they fall into the eighth spot.
I recommend leaving the side bet alone in the Orlando-Boston game but the total going OVER 191 looks enticing. I like the Nets +6 ½ at Indiana on the side bet but Indiana will do what they have to do to win the game, making the -250 ml bet a good value.
