Get a $500 Bonus on a $500 Deposit at BetUS!

NBA Playoff Odds: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Orlando Magic Game 5

Written by Jimmy Boyd

lakers-magic-gm-5-61209 The Orlando Magic endured a 91-99 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday to fall behind 3-1 in the 2009 NBA Finals. While history is stacked strongly against them coming back to win the series, the Magic will have the luxury of fighting for their playoff life at home in Game 5. NBA odds makers have Orlando living to see another day, listing the Magic as the 2.5-point favorite with the total set at 198.

The Lakers found their front line in early foul trouble and the Magic were able to take advantage by building a 12-point half time lead. The Lakers rallied to erase that deficit by outscoring the Magic 30-14 in the third quarter. The Lakers could not hold onto the lead though, as Orlando regained a five-point advantage late on back-to-back Hedo Turkoglu buckets. But a dunk by Pau Gasol in transition and then a pair of missed free throws by Dwight Howard set the stage for Derek Fisher to tie the game on a three pointer from the right wing. The Lakers went on to win by eight points for a 10.5-point against the spread win. Now LA has a chance to close out the series Sunday evening. If that is the case, Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher will collect their fourth championship ring and Phil Jackson will surpass the legendary Red Auerbach with his 10th. The key for the Lakers has always been defense. When they play it, they are extremely tough to beat. Holding Orlando to just 14 points in the third quarter proved to be critical. The other huge defensive accomplishment was holding Rashard Lewis to just six points. Lastly, the Lakers forced the Magic into 17 turnovers, including seven by Dwight Howard. If you think Los Angeles has another great defensive effort in store for Game 5, bet the Lakers at +2.5 at BetUS and receive up to 145 percent in sign up bonuses!

Game 4 has to sting something terrible for the Magic as they were oh so close to pulling even with the Lakers with a chance to go up 3-2 Sunday at home. Now they are on the brink of elimination. It’s all going to come down to Orlando’s attitude in Game 5. If they can forget about the past and just focus on the task at hand, they will have an excellent opportunity to head back to LA for a Game 6. On top of that, Orlando needs to take better care of the basketball. While they were able to build a 12-point half time advantage, it could have been an even bigger lead had it not been for costly turnovers. Offensively, this is a team which lives and dies by the jump shot and they died by it Thursday. They shot just 41.9 percent from the field one game removed from setting a NBA Finals record with a 62.5 percent shooting performance. The Magic need to take the ball aggressively to the basket to draw fouls. And when they get to the free throw line, they have to shoot better than 59.5 percent. Lastly, Orlando has been at its best offensively when it has pushed the ball up the floor. This has enabled the Magic to get better looks before the LA defense can get back and set. If you think Orlando can get it done in this do-or-die Game 5, bet the Magic at -2.5 at BetUS and get a $500 match bonus.

Jimmy Boyd’s NBA picks are on fire, cashing in 16 of his last 20 NBA playoff sides. Make sure you’re doing your NBA betting with Jimmy on Game 5.

Jimmy’s NBA expert picks guarantee that your money goes down on the right side!

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in: