Orlando Tries to Continue Brilliance over Miami Heat

They call Florida the “Sunshine State” for its weather and being a prime vacation spot. The state has also become known for its sports teams this decade, with the University of Florida have won two football and basketball championships, the Florida Marlins won a World Series in 2003 and the Miami Heat being the champs of the NBA three years ago. The Orlando Magic is working this season towards being among the very best and wants to add their name to the list of champions from the state.

The next step in the journey is traveling down I-95 to take on fellow Floridian and Southeast Division opponent Miami. Orlando (54-18, 46-26 ATS) has the second best record in the East, just ahead of Boston and is a sparkling 25-11 SU and ATS on the road. Orlando has had plenty of magic in winning five in a row and 12 of 14 (9-5 ATS) and wants to keep building momentum towards the playoffs.

“We’re just trying to find that rhythm that you can stay in,” Magic point guard Rafer Alston said. “It’s all about finding that groove going into the playoffs.”

Orlando just completed sweep of Boston and Milwaukee at home and is 8-1 ATS off two or more home wins this season. The Magic have played like they have had a spell over Miami, winning 11 of last 12, with 9-2-1 ATS mark. With Dwight Howard leading the way, Orlando has horrified the Heat, winning by an average of just over 16 points a game. Their margin of victory would be even greater if they had a clue how to guard Dwayne Wade.

The former Marquette star just lights up Orlando guards like nearby Ocean Boulevard. Wade has scored at least 32 points in seven of his last nine games versus the Magic and in his last six meetings is averaging 37.2 points per game.

“My concern is when Dwyane goes into the Hall of Fame and they start putting off his top career games, it’s going to be like 50 versus Orlando,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy joked after last month’s meeting.

Miami (39-34, 34-39 ATS) is in neck and neck race with Philadelphia for the fifth spot in the East and has been unreliable against teams the jack-up the three ball like Orlando, with is 7-18 ATS record versus clubs who attempt 18 or more 3-point shots a game on the season.
The oddsmakers at Bookmaker.com have established Orlando as three-point favorites, with a total of 194. The Magic is 10-2 ATS on the road when the total is between 190 and 199.5 points and is 18-7 UNDER off two or more consecutive home wins. Miami has played some weaker teams recently and their scoring defense has been improved. The Heat is 16-4 ATS after three or more straight Unders and is 34-19 UNDER as a home underdog.

The Miami players would naturally want to stop the Magic’s dominance and are adding a little extra to the festivities, retiring Alonzo Mourning jersey, making him the first former player so honored by the franchise. The action starts on the Sun Network at 7:30 Eastern.