Magic Cavaliers Eastern Conference Finals Predictions
The Cleveland Cavaliers have swept their way through the 2009 NBA Playoffs, but things figure to get a little tougher in the Eastern Conference Finals against an Orlando Magic team that has won 7 of the last 10 meetings against Cleveland over the last three seasons. Despite Orlando’s success against Cleveland, NBA odds makers remain confident that the Cavs will be moving on to the NBA Finals. The Cleveland Cavaliers are listed as the -800 favorite to win the 2009 NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
Cleveland has looked like a team on a mission in these playoffs, having won each of its eight games by at least 10 points. The Cavs are no stranger to the Eastern Conference Finals either, having defeated the Detroit Pistons just two years ago to reach the NBA Finals and this team in unquestionably better. LeBron James has lived up to his billing as the 2008-09 NBA MVP in these playoffs, averaging 32.9 points per game. He has received great help from guards Mo Williams (14.8 points per game) and Delonte West (13.3 points per game). Inside, Big Z, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, is giving Cleveland 10.8 points per game in the postseason. But enough about offensive numbers, Cleveland’s dominant defense has been the true story of its success. The Cavs are yet to allow an opponent over 85 points in these playoffs. If you like Cleveland to get off to a strong start in this series, bet the Cavaliers at -9 in Game 1.
The Orlando Magic make their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since the 1995-96 season when Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway were swept by Michael Jordan and company. The underdog Magic expect to have a better showing this time around. Orlando was able to get past the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics in seven games thanks to First Team All-NBA center Dwight Howard’s dominance in the paint. Howard averaged 16.4 points, 17.1 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game against the Celtics. Rashard Lewis has been Orlando’s most consistent scorer, averaging 19.8 points per game in the postseason. Hedo Turkoglu has chipped in 14.2 points per game as well. The Magic were able to win two games on the road in their previous series and they’ll have to be able to steal at least one to beat the Cavs as well. If you think Orlando has what it takes to pull off the upset, bet the Magic at +500 to win the series.
Orlando has won four of the last five meetings in this series with all four of those wins coming by double digits. Orlando won this year’s season series 2-1, with each team holding serve on its home floor. The Magic won the first meeting 99-88 back in late January. The Cavs took meeting number two 97-93 on St. Paddy’s Day, and the Magic dominated meeting number three 116-87 in early April.
Prediction: Cavs in 6
I know Orlando has had Cleveland’s number, but it is going to be hard for the Magic to steal a win on the road against a Cleveland team with only one legitimate home loss this season. Orlando will not go down without a fight, but ultimately the more consistent defensive team will take this series.
Bet on the NBA Eastern Conference Finals with the help of Jimmy Boyd’s NBA expect picks!
