The Los Angeles Lakers (28-35) will be at home in Staples Center when they go head-to-head against the Orlando Magic (20-44). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 227 points with Los Angeles opening as a 6-point favorite. Action gets underway at 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, and it can be seen on Fox SportsNet Florida.
Orlando Magic vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
The Magic were beaten by the Utah Jazz in their last outing, 94-80. Orlando’s Nikola Vucevic had a solid performance, leading the team in scoring with 15 points on 6-for-11 shooting. Utah held the Magic to an effective field goal percentage of 0.406 (below their season average of 0.524). Orlando, on the other hand, forced the Jazz into a turnover percentage of 15.6 (above the 12.1 mark opponents have averaged against Orlando this season).
In the Lakers’ last game, they were topped by the Portland Trail Blazers, 108-103. Julius Randle was Los Angeles’ leading scorer with 21 points on 7-for-13 shooting. Portland did a great job of getting and making free throws (28-38; 73.7 percent). Los Angeles, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (9.1 vs. 12.3).
Contrasting styles will be on display in this matchup. Los Angeles has preferred an up-and-down style of play (first in possessions per game), while Orlando has been slower-paced (11th in possessions per game).
These two teams are complete opposites in terms of the O/U total. Games including Orlando have gone under 56.3 percent of the time, while 55.6 percent of Los Angeles games have gone over. The Lakers hold a substantial advantage in both straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records. They are 28-35 SU and 35-28 ATS, while the Magic are 20-44 SU and 29-33-2 ATS.
Randle and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have played at a high level over the last five games for Los Angeles. Randle has averaged 19.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, while Caldwell-Pope has recorded 19.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined for 232 points in that game, which was well over the projected point total of 216. The Magic won 127-105, covering as 3-point underdogs. Orlando was lights out from beyond the arc (18-32; 56.3 percent). Los Angeles, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.2 vs. 11.1). Despite the loss, Randle had a standout performance in the game, putting up 20 points and nine rebounds.
Orlando Magic vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Lakers average 23.8 assists per game, which ranks sixth in the league. The Magic rank 26th in assists allowed per game (24.5).
- Orlando averages 29.3 three pointers per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 21st in three pointers allowed per game (30.1).
- Los Angeles averages 17.3 fast break points per game, which ranks second in the NBA. Orlando ranks 18th in fast break points allowed per game (12.2).
- Los Angeles ranks 11th in steals per game (8.1) while Orlando ranks 16th in steals allowed per game (7.9).
- Orlando is 17-15-1 ATS on the road, while Los Angeles is 17-13 ATS at home.
- In 33 road games, the Magic have 17 unders and 16 overs.
- The Lakers have 16 overs and 14 unders in 30 home games.
- When holding opponents under 100 points, Orlando is 9-4 and Los Angeles is 11-3.
- The Magic are 20-26 when they reach the century mark, while the Lakers are 25-22.
- The Magic average 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 13th in the league. The Lakers rank 28th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
- Los Angeles ranks first in points in the paint per game (52.9) while Orlando ranks 29th in points allowed in the paint per game (49.1).
- The Lakers rank second in second chance points per game (14.6) while the Magic rank 26th (10.6).
- The Magic average 15.5 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 20th in the NBA. The Lakers rank 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.6).
- Los Angeles ranks second in rebounds per game (46.5) while Orlando ranks 26th in rebounds allowed per game (45.4).