Orlando Magic Odds to Win 2008 NBA Finals

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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.

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.

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About the Author: Jimmy Boyd is known for his consistency. He's a proven winner in college and pro football, college and pro basketball and pro baseball. He finished as the No. 1 ranked MLB handicapper in 2007 by earning $1,000/game bettors $50,050. He also finished as the No. 1 ranked basketball handicapper in the 2008-09 season, profiting $1,000/game bettors 38,530. His basketball plays have banked $1,000/game bettors nearly $80,000 the last five years. Check out Jimmy's premium picks for tonight!
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