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Orlando Magic Odds to Win the 2008 NBA Finals
The Orlando Magic have been
a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern
Conference all season long behind the dominant
play of All-Star center Dwight Howard, but is
this young Magic squad ready to contend for a
NBA title? Find out how Jimmy Boyd sees the
playoffs shaking out for Dwight Howard and
company as he weighs the 2008 Orlando Magic
odds to win the NBA Finals.
Bet the Orlando Magic at 25/1 odds at
BodogLife.com to win the NBA Finals
Why they'll win it all:
The man in the middle, Dwight Howard, is the
reason why the Magic have a chance. In his
fourth year in the league, Howard has elevated
his game to be considered, perhaps, the best
center in the game, and certainly the most
powerful. Howard averages 20.9 ppg and a
ridiculous 14.2 rebounds per contests to go
along with two blocks. It is Howard that opens
things up for everyone else as his presence
inside must be respected first and foremost.
With the addition of Rashard Lewis and the
improved play of Hedo Turkoglu, the Magic are a
major threat from three-point range also.
Offensively, the Magic rank in the top six in
the three major categories: sixth in points per
game (104.3), fifth in field goal percentage
(47.3%), and fourth in three-point field goal
percentage (38.5%). Defensively, the Magic
aren't too shabby either, holding opponents
under 100 points per game and to just 44.5%
shooting – good for seventh best in the league.
And behind Dwight Howard, the Magic are the
third best defensive rebounding team in the NBA.
Orlando has been one of the best road teams in
the league all season long and that will go a
long way toward earning them a trip to the
Finals.
Why they won't:
This is the first time the Magic have really put
a contender on the floor since Shaq took the
Magic to the Finals in the mid-90's. While Shaq
was dominant in getting them there, a veteran
Rockets squad, led by Hakeem Olajuwon, was too
much in the Finals. I anticipate the
inexperience to be a factor stacking the odds
against this Magic team also. Depth could be an
issue for this Magic team as well. They play up
to nine guys in their rotation, but these
players aren't of the same caliber as Boston's
bench for example. The most glaring weakness is
at the backup center spot. If Howard gets into
foul trouble, the Magic are as good as done as
he is so vital to every aspect of this team both
offensively and defensively. The Magic are an
impressive 36-14 against the East, but only
14-16 against the Western Conference. So even if
the Magic can get past the Celtics or the
Pistons, they likely won't be ready to take on
the strong Western Conference teams, as was the
case for the Cavs last season.
Other odds to Win the 2008
NBA Finals:
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