The Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers have both been in solid form over a recent 10-game period, having both put together exceptional records.
They'll come face-to-face on Sunday, March 22, at 10:00 AEDT, with both teams looking to secure the strongest place they can in the upcoming NBA playoffs.
Quick Picks
Our pick: Magic to win
Value bet: Doncic to have 35+ points
Long shot: Magic to win 11+
Betting Preview
The Magic will enter this game having recently had a run of 7-3, although that did involve two consecutive defeats. A road game against the Charlotte Hornets is slated just before the hosting of the Lakers, where they'll be back at home after an away trip.
The Magic have been good in Miami, using home-court advantage perfectly. They are 21-12 in the NBA regular season, making the Kia Center a fortress that many visiting teams have simply struggled in.
Still, the Lakers have largely enjoyed being the visitors in away games this season. The famous Purple & Gold have two road games before this one (Rockets and Heat), but they will still enter it with a positive win record that is over .500 for road games.
Furthermore, they've been playing some of their best basketball over the last 10 games prior to the road trips, going 9-1. They've been on a recent run of no fewer than six wins in a row, which has pushed them into contention of being the #3 seed in the West, with the San Antonio Spurs looking a way ahead for the #2 spot.
Betting Markets to Watch
The head-to-head between these two teams identifies why there is potential value available for this game. The Lakers have had the upper hand over the last 20 meetings, although only just. Los Angeles are 11-9, although the Magic have been the better team over the last four games.
Orlando have won each of these, including two that were played at the Kia Center. While the Lakers are enjoying a positive run of form, the handicap line could be where value lies for the Magic, given how they've also performed across the regular season and historically.
The Big Win Little Win market is also worth exploring for potential value in this game. Two of the four games to have been played have ended with Orlando winning by one point. However, it's worth noting that both of these occurred in LA. In Miami, the win margins have been 12 and 19. With this in mind, we think the Magic will win by 11+.
Our Prediction
Check the latest NBA betting odds at Sportsbet.
Despite the Lakers appearing to be in better form and boasting a positive away record, we think the most likely outcome is for a Magic win. Their home form has been strong, while they have a positive head-to-head record against the Lakers over their last four games.
Luka Doncic can offer value on player props, as the Slovenian basketballer has been putting points up all season. Recent scores of 30+ have become the norm, so we think 35+ will offer value here. If you're new to how to bet on the NBA, player props like this are a great way to get involved beyond simple match outcomes.
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