NBA Picks & Predictions for Thursday, March 3, 2011
By Drew Sharper
MIAMI, FL (TheSpread) – The Miami Heat look to claim ownership of Florida on Thursday when they host the Orlando Magic. Here is a breakdown of my pick for this game.
Miami is 43-17 on the year and 22-6 at home. The Heat have won 7 of their last 10. Orlando is 39-22 on the season and 15-13 on the road. The Magic have won three straight and 7 of their last 10.
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook Sportsbook.com have released their odds for this game and they have made the Heat a 5-point favorite at home against Orlando. The over/under total has been set at 198 points. Here are some trends to consider and my pick for tonight’s game:
Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat, 8PM ET (View Matchup)
The Magic are 13-6-1 against the spread in their last 20 games with Miami and the Heat have failed to cover in their last 4 games against the East and in 21 of their last 28 games after a loss. My pick goes with the Magic to cover as the Heat have struggled against the top level teams in the NBA, mostly due to their lack of physicality in the frontcourt.
NBA FREE PICK: ORLANDO MAGIC +5