Cavs favored, but no lock for Game 2

The mind is a tricky thing and though you want to believe you can control how it works at all times, sometimes it will betray you against your better judgment. Take the Cleveland Cavaliers, in the first 24 minutes against Orlando of Game 1 of the Eastern Finals; they could have hardly played any better, finishing with a splendid crescendo, a 70-foot heave by Mo Williams giving the Cavs a 63-48 halftime lead.

Though every Cleveland player knew they still had two quarters of basketball to play, the two previous teams had played over the last month just caved in. Besides, the Cavaliers had lost just twice at Quicken Loans Arena all season and one hardly mattered being the last game of regular season in contest mostly played by reserves.

But this Orlando bunch has a little magic in them. They have been one of the best road teams in the NBA all season, as 32-17 and 31-18 ATS record proves. They have closed out two series in enemy territory, playing arguably their best game of the series in each case, showing their mettle.

Coach Stan Van Gundy must be a better salesman than believed. His game plan to stop LeBron James in the first half was to let him have medium range jump shots and all LeBron did was drain virtually every one in totaling 26 points. At halftime, he ripped into his Orlando team, for failure to execute and though many coaches would have had players rolling eyes, the Magic players listened and outscored Cleveland 30-19 in the third quarter and went on to steal Game 1.

Heading into Game 2, potential clues are in view to how the series could play out. Cavs coach Mike Brown acted as if he had Superman and let James hang on to the ball too long, with Cleveland players standing around watching LeBron and offense went stagnant. This carried over to defensive end, where Orlando shot 59 percent in the second half and had superior ball movement against the NBA’s best defense. Need proof, Orlando had 32 assists in 43 made baskets, Cleveland had nine fewer assists on same number of makes.

Another HUGE factor was the bench, the Magic held 25-5 edge, unless coach Brown can find answers, Cleveland might be in more trouble than many believed.

The Cavs are 14-2 ATS after one or more consecutive losses this season, winning by average of 13.2 points per game and understand this is must win. Cleveland found out you can’t win one on five, especially this time of year and a large slice of humble pie might bring back focus needed to play four quarters.

Cleveland can’t let Hedu Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis do whatever they please, like they did in opener. The tandem took turns ripping the heart out of Cleveland defense. Unless they are contained, no reason the Magic don’t go to 17-6 ATS as underdogs.

The oddsmakers at DiamondSportsbook.com have taken neutral stance, with Cleveland as nine-point home favorite and letting the public choose. They did make a severe adjustment on the total, moving four and half points to 188.5, which might suggest they believe the Magic could cover again. Orlando is 21-8 OVER after two straight games with 26 or more assists, which explains they tend to play free and easy when in offensive rhythm. Cleveland on the other hand is 11-2 UNDER after scoring 60 points or more in the first half last game and must not get caught up in trading baskets with Magic.

You have to wonder if Orlando’s non-traditional scheme messes with Cavs D, having won four of six outright in northern Ohio with six straight covers. In fact, the Magic are 10-1 ATS against Cleveland no matter where they play. Game 2 commences at 8:35 Eastern on TNT.