Mike Rose
Orlando Magic +9
The Magic shocked just about every basketball expert by claiming victory in Game 1 and rewarded loyal Magic bettors everywhere. The magic number for Orlando has been 100, when they reach the century-mark, the Magic are 4-0 SU & ATS in the 2009 NBA Playoffs. Despite the officials ticky-tack foul calls that sent him to the bench early, Magic C Dwight Howard scored 30 points and grabbed 13 boards. Superman scored Orlando's first points of the game when he dunked the ball and broke the shot clock off the goal. If Howard continues to have his way inside in this series, the Cavs can forget about beating the Magic whose outside game feeds off his inside presence. The Magic are 4-0 ATS against the Cavs this season and 5-3 ATS in their eight road playoff contests.
The Cavaliers came out gunning in Game 1 getting out to a 33-19 lead after the first quarter and extending the lead to 63-48 at the break. From there, they were outscored 59-43 the rest of the way which allowed the Magic to reclaim home court advantage. Cavs F LeBron James needed to score more than his 32 PPG average for his team to have any chance in this series. Who knew he'd score 49 points in a loss? King James got his teammates going in the first half and finished with eight assists, but he is going to need a lot more help for the Cavs to compete in this series. Cleveland's bench was outscored 25-5 on Wednesday and must step up tonight. The Cavs are 1-11 ATS against the Magic in the L/12 meetings.
It's hard to believe, but the oddsmakers are still disregarding the overwhelming ATS numbers the Magic have put up against the Cavs in recent meetings. Orlando will once again cover this lofty spread if not win outright once again! The underdog is 9-3 ATS in the L/12 meetings and bettors can expect that hot streak to continue in Game 2.
Rocketman Sports
NY Mets @ Boston
Play: NY Mets
NY Mets is 8-1 this year when the total is 8 to 8 1/2. NY Mets bullpen has a 2.88 ERA overall and a 3.03 ERA on the road this year. Johan Santana is 5-2 with a 1.36 ERA overall this year, 2-1 with a 2.29 ERA on the road and 2-1 with a 1.77 ERA his last 3 starts. Matsuzaka is 0-1 with a 12.80 ERA overall this year and 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA at home this season. Santana has a 2.47 ERA overall vs Boston since 1997. We'll recommend a small play on the NY Mets tonight!