NBA Picks & Predictions for Thursday, February 3, 2011
By Drew Sharper
ORLANDO, FL (TheSpread) – The Orlando Magic and Miami Heat will battle it out on Thursday night in the NBA. Here is a breakdown of my pick for this game.
Miami is 34-14 on the season and 16-9 on the road. The Heat have won three straight. Orlando is 31-18 on the season and 18-6 at home. The Magic has won 6 of their last 10 games.
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook Sportsbook.com have released their odds for this game and they have made the Magic a 1.5-point favorite at home. The over/under total has been set at 194.5 points. Here are some trends to consider and my pick for tonight’s game:
Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic, 8PM ET (View Matchup)
Miami is just 5-13-1 against the spread in their last 19 games against the Magic and 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 games in Orlando. Orlando is also 8-2 ATS in their last 10 Thursday games. My pick is with the Magic as this is a big game for the new-look team to prove they can contend with Miami come playoff time. Look for a spirited effort from the Magic for a win and the cover.
NBA FREE PICK: ORLANDO MAGIC -1.5