Orlando still favored, just by less in Game 4

[Lumi]

Orlando still favored, just by less in Game 4


The NBA Playoffs offer so much insight into the teams, coaches and players, one can?t help but be excited about all the strategy changes and maneuvering if you are true basketball fan and wagering on games. Sometimes the boxscore?s paint a picture and other times they don?t, just like Game 3. Would it seem possible Orlando would take nine fewer three-point tries than the Lakers, convert three less than Los Angeles and still come out on top? The high quality adjustment made by Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, having his squad push the ball at every opportunity, before the slow-reacting Lakers defenders reacted, helped Orlando shoot 62.5 percent, yet the Magic had the same number of fast break points as L.A. (10)

This all adds to tremendous intrigue for Game 4. It is the Lakers turn to adjust, having to win one of the next two contests in Central Florida, really placing the pressure on Orlando to win twice on the Left Coast. Oddsmakers in part see Los Angeles making the right moves, as Bookmaker.com has them as 2.5-point underdogs, down from 4.5 in last contest. The Lakers are 10-2 ATS as an underdog this season and many people can?t foresee them being so off-kilter a second game in a row.

Los Angeles defenders took almost every fake, reacted poorly on defensive rotations, seldom getting a hand in the face of shooter or giving them clear path to the goal, like the Magic had free pass. L.A. shot free throws, well like Dwight Howard used to, converting on 16 of 26. At various points, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher and Andrew Bynum played like some of the Seven Dwarfs (feel free to make this interactive article, by filling in your own matching dwarf with player performance). Kobe Bryant didn?t look like Kobe at crunch time and they will need him to have reversal of fortune quickly or this series will be 2-2.

For Los Angeles to improve on 14-6 ATS record as road underdog of 4.5 or less points, Lakers guards have to do better job feeding the post to Pau Gasol and Odom and they need to be more alert and ready. Hustle back on defense and be ready to defend the entire shot clock time, not just the parts that fit into schedule. Offensively, a more conventional return to triangle offensive, since isolation and top of the key screen and rolls were well defended by Orlando and might have contributed to Bryant appearing so fatigued late in the contest.

Orlando didn?t cover, but won the game. They are well-suited 20-6 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 this season. The Magic played at tempo more suitable to players like Rafer Alston and Dwight Howard in Game 3. Alston?s ability to push the ball led to more open shots, (which he made) and Howard?s skill as athlete showed thru, as he also ran the floor and made hard cuts to the hoop.

Hedu Turkoglu was a dominant contributor, even making just one three-pointer, dishing the ball for seven assists, while converting 7 of 12 shots. Mickael Pietrus toasted L.A. for 18 points and played physical with Kobe and the Magic double-teams were better timed, making Bryant less effective.

Game 3?s total was Over and oddsmakers adjusted upward, raising the figure to 201.5. This is potentially swell news for Orlando backers, with the Magic 12-3 ATS at home game when the total is between 200 and 204.5 points. Van Gundy?s team needs to set the tempo and they are 12-4 UNDER at Amway Arena after a combined score of 205 points or more this season. The Lakers like-wise have to bring aggressiveness shown in four prior games, to first conflict in Orlando and are 13-3 UNDER off a road loss this year, winning by an average of over eight points per contest.

Game 4 will come down to adjustments and execution, though bettors might just want to ride the tide with underdog 7-1 ATS and the OVER 6-0 in Florida when these two clubs meet.

 

[Lumi]

NBA Finals Game 4

NBA Finals Game 4

NBA Finals Game 4

Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic (-2.5, 201.5)

Line Shift

The Lakers lost Game 3 by four points which fell right on the number for most bettors. It actually closed at -4.5 so there were some Purple and Gold backers that were rewarded for their patience.

Orlando played as well as it has all season, making the push even more difficult to swallow for the Magic bettor.

Oddsmakers? thinking seems to be in line with the sharp bettors: The Lakers will come out and win Game 4 outright after letting one slip away on Tuesday.

The line is already down to -2.5 and is actually -2 at some shops. This shows most bettors believe Los Angeles will take a 3-1 series lead rather than the Magic tying things up.

The first two games of this series stayed way under with the opener missing the total by 29.5 points while Game 2 was 26 points below the number at the end of regulation.

Game 3 saw the first posted total of this series under 200 and it ended up going over by 14 points. The books are a bit more confused with the over/under number. Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Thursday?s contest at 201.5. Based on the first three games, it is tough to decipher what sort of game will be played out on Thursday.

Shooting Blanks or Shooting Darts

The Magic shot a dismal 29.9 percent in Game 1 and 41.8 percent in their follow-up performance. To no one?s surprise, they lost both of those games.

Orlando came back on Tuesday and shot a blistering 62.5 percent from the floor but just squeaked out the win. The club shoots 45.8 percent at home compared to 45.5 percent on the road so it isn?t like they have a big advantage when playing at Amway Arena.

While Orlando was able to pick things up, it cannot be overlooked what the Lakers have done. Phil Jackson?s boys have improved on their shooting percentage in each game in this series (46.1 to 51.3 shooting from the field).

Los Angeles ability to consistently shoot at a high percentage is a troubling trend for Orlando backers. The fact that Orlando played arguably the best it could play and won by just four points tells us something.

After Game 3?s victory the Magic players had mixed feelings about the outcome.

?We didn?t allow being down 0-2 to discourage us,? Orlando center Dwight Howard said. ?We?ve come along way and we want to win a championship.?


?The sad thing is we shot 62.5 percent and nearly lost the game,? said guard Rafer Alston.

The Kobe Factor

The Lakers would be up 3-0 in this series if Kobe Bryant played up to his standards on Tuesday. After a hot start he missed 10 of his final 12 shots, while also missing five of his 10 free throw attempts. His turnovers and missed free throws in the later parts of the fourth quarter were particularly damaging to the L.A.?s chances.

?It was disappointing,? Bryant said following Game 3. ?I?m used to coming through in these situations, the team trusts me in those situations and it just didn?t happen tonight.?

There?s no questioning his determination to win this year?s title. He appears more focused then we?ve ever seen him in his 13-year career.

He hasn?t been too sharp in his last two games, but the future Hall of Famer is still averaging 33.3 points and 8 assists per game in the Finals. Expect Kobe to play much better and the fourth quarter bounces to go his way for the reminder of the series.

 

[Lumi]

Lakers getting the money in Game 4

Lakers getting the money in Game 4

Lakers getting the money in Game 4


The Magic re-grouped after going down 2-0 in LA and delivered a huge home win for their rabid fans in Game 3.

Now they play what is arguably the biggest game in franchise history (no disrespect Game 2). The big question is can the shooters stay hot in Game 4, or will Kobe and crew put together a complete game and pull off the underdog win on the road.

The sports betting public is leaning to the latter, as SPORTSBETTING.com is reporting almost 70% of all the betting action on Game 4 is coming in on the Lakers.

LA is a 2-point underdog for tonight?s game, but they opened at -3. Money keeps coming in on the visitor. The Total is set at 201.5.

Orlando is still a longshot in series price betting, listed at +400 to win it all.

The Magic have been very accommodating the last 17 times the Los Angeles Lakers have paid a visit to Amway Arena, going 6-11 ATS. Total bettors take note, over that stretch those games have produced 12 Overs and 5 Unders and currently they have played six straight Overs.

While Orlando has gone 12-8 ATS in its last 20 games overall, they are 11-9 ATS in their last 20 home games.

The Magic have done well for themselves and bettors the last 20 times they?ve been favored by 4-points or less, going 13-6-1 ATS and in the last seven games at -4 and less, they are 6-1 ATS.

In their last 20 playoff games, the Lakers are only batting 500 with a record of 10-10 ATS.

Kobe Bryant and crew have gone 6-8 ATS in their last 14 road games.

The Lakers have thrived when listed as underdogs of 4-points or less, going 15-5 against the spread and are also 3-6 on the Over/Under in their last nine games in the same situation.

As mentioned, Game 4 will be crucial in this year?s NBA final. The Magic can either make a series of it with a win or they can pretty much concede to the Lakers with a loss.

In Exact Games betting, SPORTSBETTING.com has the Lakers are listed at +400 to win the championship series in 5 games, or 4 games to 1, +140 to take it in 6 games (4-2) or +180 to win it in a seventh and deciding game (4-3).

The Magic are listed at +800 to take it in 6 games or +500 to take it in 7 games.

We?ll see if this year?s NBA final is truly a homer series tonight as the home team has triumphed SU through three games.

We?ll also see what the Orlando Magic are made of and if it will be a good finish.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

 

[Lumi]

Sharps and public backing Lakers

Sharps and public backing Lakers

Sharps and public backing Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic: Matchup stats and trends

Line/Total: We opened the Magic -3 and quickly moved to 2.5 off sharp action. We were at 3 for a brief time and used Magic -2.5 up until this morning. We moved the line again in the Lakers direction going to Magic -2. About 70 percent of the action is on the Lakers.

We've been hammered with Laker bets on the moneyline. We opened the Magic -145 and have moved it 15 cents to Magic -130. I could see us going to -125 at some point later today. It's a case where both the sharps and the public are backing the Lakers.

We opened the total at 202 and again the sharps have bet it under. Sharp action has bet the first three games of this series under and they've backed it again today. We're currently dealing 201, with more money being bet on the over. About 60 percent of the action is on the over.

Series Price: With the Magic's last win, they've put themselves right back in this series. They're down 2-1, but with the next two games being played in Orlando this team is poised to make this a competitive series. The Lakers are still leading this series and they still have home court advantage, so they're a significant favorite to win it all. They were -800 going into game 3. After the Magic's win we've installed the Lakers -450 to win it all. We're very exposed on the Magic winning the series because their series price was very attractive to bettors. They were +400 after Game 1 loss, and +500 after Game 2 loss.

Prop of the Game: Kobe Bryant (Lakers) Total Made Free Throws 8 o-140

Comments: The last game landed on four - a push for the closing number. We got hammered with that result as we took some action on the Magic -3.5 and there was definitely late money on the Lakers +4.5, so we paid out both ways on that game. It couldn't have been a worse result for us.

 

[Lumi]

Zen Master Phil could be the best ever, or not

Zen Master Phil could be the best ever, or not

Zen Master Phil could be the best ever, or not

Hedo Turkoglu was throwing in shots from everywhere, the Orlando Magic were outrebounding the Los Angeles Lakers, and even Jack Nicholson seemed to be getting worried. It was the third quarter of Game 2 in the NBA finals, time for Phil Jackson to gather his charges and work some magic of his own.

They huddled in front of the Laker bench, eager for some words of wisdom from the Zen Master himself. While Stan Van Gundy was yelling and waving his arms in an apoplectic fit at the other end of the court, Jackson delivered in his usual calm way.

''Make some shots,'' he told Kobe Bryant and his supporting cast.

Make some shots? Come on, Phil, the Laker die-hards in the upper regions of section 328 at Staples Center could have come up with that.

What was next? Grab some rebounds? Try guarding Turkoglu?

No sense in making things too terribly complicated.

Jackson himself said on the eve of the championship series that there wasn't much to do at this time of year other than name the starting lineup and tell the players what time tip-off is.

Then again, Jackson has made it look easy for a long time now. He sits courtside in these finals, poised on the brink of basketball history, all the while looking like he would rather be up at Malibu contemplating the meaning of ocean waves.

Unlike Van Gundy, he doesn't yell, doesn't scream. Doesn't seem to be doing much of anything, really, other than watching Bryant take charge and tell his teammates what to do.

And he's surely the first coach who ever called out referees for not making a call that could have cost his team a win in Game 2.

He's so unorthodox that people in basketball can't figure him out. More has been made about his Zen philosophy than his ability to get his five players to play better than the five on the other end of the court.

With his Lakers up 2-1 and Jackson edging closer to a record tenth NBA title as a coach, maybe it's time to start thinking of Jackson in a different way. Maybe it's time to begin recognizing him for what he really is.

The greatest coach in NBA history. Perhaps the greatest coach ever in any sport.

Fans of Red Auerbach might recoil at the thought, even if Jackson passes the cigar-smoking one with a tenth title. They would say Auerbach helped change the way basketball is played - and pave the way for new people to play it - with the Celtics, while all Jackson did was adopt someone else's triangle offense and get lucky with some of the greatest players to ever play the game.

It's a fair criticism, even when broached to Jackson himself. He had Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Shaquille O'Neal and Bryant.

Other coaches didn't.

''I'll accept it,'' Jackson said. ''You have to have the special players to make the finals. That's why they're special players - because they get to this position at the end of the season.''

Although it's true Jordan might have won a few titles no matter who was on the bench in Chicago, someone had to keep Jordan happy, Pippen engaged and the rest of the team in synch for two three-peats. Likewise, someone had to keep Bryant and Shaq off each other's backs long enough for a third three-peat in Los Angeles.

And Jackson had to be doing something right to get a $30 million contract to rejoin the Lakers even after writing a book admitting he lobbied to get Bryant traded during his first stint with the team and deriding his star's pettiness in wanting a bigger plane provided by the Lakers to take him to his sexual assault hearing in Colorado.

In the end, the rings count more than anything, both to Jackson and the superstar who now professes, at least publicly, grudging respect for his coach.

At last count, Jackson had nine. Bryant had three.

''I'm just honored to be coached by the best coach of all time,'' Bryant said last week. ''It would be a tremendous honor to be on the team that can get him that tenth championship.''

That would move Jackson past Auerbach, but it's more than that. Although Auerbach won all his titles with Bill Russell dominating the middle, Jackson has won with different stars and different teams. He has been able to adapt to different changes, all during an era in which players had more autonomy and say than they ever did in the 1950s and 60s.

It may not look like he's doing much, but he's a winner. In a few short days he could become the biggest winner ever, with a ring for every finger and both thumbs.

That's assuming, of course, that he can get his team to make a few more shots.

----

 

[Lumi]

Thursday's best NBA bet

Thursday's best NBA bet

Thursday's best NBA bet

Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic (-2.5, 201)

No athlete on the planet - well, at least on this side of the putting green from Tiger Woods - closes quite like Kobe Bryant. He's the ice-in-his-veins killer. The Terminator. The one you call to finish the job. Mr. Clutch.

He owns the fourth quarter.

Most of the time.

But in Game 3 of the NBA finals on Tuesday night, Bryant, looking tired and mortal, gave new life to the here-they-come-again Orlando Magic, who shot a finals record 63 percent in a 108-104 win over the Los Angeles Lakers and snapped an 0-for-6 franchise mark in the finals.

With the Lakers eyeing a chance to open a 3-0 series lead and with a fourth title that he has obsessed about almost within his reach, Bryant slipped up.

Woods, arms folded on his chest, sat courtside and watched Bryant falter.

The Magic saw it, too. They don't expect to see it again.

''We have to understand,'' Magic guard Rafer Alston said as the teams worked out in preparation of Thursday's Game 4. ''He's not one to let it happen on back-to-back occasions.''

Bryant and the Lakers have been bouncing back since the start of the postseason. Pursuing a 15th NBA crown one year after losing to the Boston Celtics, they are 6-0 after a playoff loss. They can regain control of the best-of-seven series, but they'd better be careful not to give Orlando any more momentum.

Pick: Los Angeles +2.5

 

[Lumi]

Preview: L.A. Lakers at Orlando

Preview: L.A. Lakers at Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - No athlete on the planet - well, at least on this side of the putting green from Tiger Woods - closes quite like Kobe Bryant. He's the ice-in-his-veins killer. The Terminator. The one you call to finish the job. Mr. Clutch.

He owns the fourth quarter.

Most of the time.

But in Game 3 of the NBA finals on Tuesday night, Bryant, looking tired and mortal, gave new life to the here-they-come-again Orlando Magic, who shot a finals record 63 percent in a 108-104 win over the Los Angeles Lakers and snapped an 0-for-6 franchise mark in the finals.

With the Lakers eyeing a chance to open a 3-0 series lead and with a fourth title that he has obsessed about almost within his reach, Bryant slipped up.


Woods, arms folded on his chest, sat courtside and watched Bryant falter.

The Magic saw it, too. They don't expect to see it again.

``We have to understand,' Magic guard Rafer Alston said as the teams worked out in preparation of Thursday's Game 4. ``He's not one to let it happen on back-to-back occasions.'

Bryant and the Lakers have been bouncing back since the start of the postseason. Pursuing a 15th NBA crown one year after losing to the Boston Celtics, they are 6-0 after a playoff loss. They can regain control of the best-of-seven series, but they'd better be careful not to give Orlando any more momentum.

As they showed in Game 3, the Magic can shoot holes through any dream.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson feels his team can do more defensively to stop the Magic's marksmen, but sometimes nothing can be done when shots are dropping.

``You've got to give credit where credit is due,' he said. ``They hit shots.'

Bryant came out intent to land a knockout shot in Game 3. He eased into the offensive flow, but then went on a tear, scoring 17 points in the final 5:41 of the first quarter. At halftime, he had 21 and although the Magic were shooting an unconscious 75 percent, the Lakers trailed by only four points.

But in the second half, Bryant, who because of his commitment to USA Basketball has been playing nearly nonstop for three years, wore down. He shot just 3 of 10 from the field and missed four free throws. In the fourth quarter, normally his signature time, he went 2 of 6, missed all three 3-point attempts and had the ball stolen on a crucial possession in the last 30 seconds.

On Wednesday, Bryant, who has been alternately surly and serene with the media throughout this series, took offense to the notion that he had ``hit the wall' in the fourth quarter.

``As far as me hitting the wall, so what if I did?' Bryant wondered. ``I didn't, but so what if I did?'

What does it mean if you did?

``It means nothing,' he countered.

Because?

``Because I'll run straight through it.'

Jackson knew his superstar was fatigued in Game 3 and sat him for nearly five minutes at the start of the fourth quarter so he would have energy in the closing minutes. But the cumulative effect of Orlando's defense and Bryant working so hard early on caught up to him.

The Lakers aren't used to Kobe not being Kobe with the game on the line.

``Am I surprised?' center Pau Gasol said. ``I guess you could say that because most of the time he is effective and does finish well. ``That's why everybody talks about him being a clutch player, which he deserves and earned. The last game really didn't go that well, but we expect the next game to be a different story.'

Following Games 1 and 2, it appeared this series matching one of the league's most famed franchises and a relative upstart would be a brief one. The Magic had made their way to their first finals since 1995 on the strength of Dwight Howard's inside game and superior outside shooting. But in L.A., Orlando was just O.K.

However, back on their home floor and in front of their frenzied fans, the Magic shot like no team in 360 previous finals games.

During one stretch in the opening half, Orlando made a remarkable 21 of 24 shots.

Like nearly every afternoon in steamy Central Florida, the Magic can heat up in a hurry. Yet despite having two records set against them and not playing with discipline on defense, the Lakers only lost by four points. They missed 10 free throws and had some costly turnovers.

But this loss stung, and Bryant, who characterized his late-game performance as ``disappointing,' said he and his teammates are not taking any consolation from their close call.

The Magic, who made an NBA record 23 3-pointers in a win at Sacramento in January and dropped 17 3s on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals, can shoot the lights out again.

``They're in this position because they shoot the ball well,' Bryant said. ``It's not something that is just a fluke or one game where they got hot. I mean, they get hot and stay hot. When that happens, you're dealing with a monster.'

Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy had no explanation for his team's record-setting shooting spree. The Magic shot just 29.9 percent in Game 1 and 41.8 percent in Game 2.

``Our ball movement was good, but I don't care how good your ball movement is and the quality of shot you get,' he said. ``You're not going to put the ball in the basket at that rate very often. But it's one of those nights, thankfully, that a lot of shots went down.'

As Van Gundy concluded his mandatory media interview session, a moderator announced that the Magic's practice would be open for 30 minutes.

``No practice,' Van Gundy hollered as he left the dais. ``But you can watch them shoot around.'

As if they need the work.

 

[Lumi]

Los Angeles @ Orlando

Los Angeles @ Orlando

Los Angeles @ Orlando
Thursday June 11
9:00 PM EDT

Orlando -3.0, Total 202.0





RECORD ANALYSIS:
Straight Up Against The Spread
Los Angeles Home Away Total Home Away Total
Year to Date 10 - 2 4 - 5 14 - 7 6 - 6 5 - 4 11 - 10
Last 10 Games 5 - 1 2 - 2 7 - 3 3 - 3 3 - 1 6 - 4
Straight Up Against The Spread
Orlando Home Away Total Home Away Total
Year to Date 8 - 2 5 - 7 13 - 9 6 - 4 6 - 6 12 - 10
Last 10 Games 4 - 0 2 - 4 6 - 4 3 - 1 4 - 2 7 - 3

PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Date Matchup Line Total ATS Result
06/09/09 Los Angeles 104 @ Orlando 108 ORL -4.5 199.0 LAL/O
06/07/09 Orlando 96 @ Los Angeles 101 LAL -7.0 202.0 ORL/U
06/04/09 Orlando 75 @ Los Angeles 100 LAL -6.0 206.0 LAL/U
01/16/09 Orlando 109 @ Los Angeles 103 LAL -5.0 215.0 ORL/U
12/20/08 Los Angeles 103 @ Orlando 106 LAL -2.5 206.5 ORL/O
02/08/08 Los Angeles 117 @ Orlando 113 ORL -1.0 212.5 LAL/O
12/02/07 Orlando 104 @ Los Angeles 97 LAL -1.5 210.0 ORL/U


Los Angeles Last 10 Games
Date Matchup Line Total ATS Result
06/09/09 LAL 104 @ ORL 108 +4.5 199.0 W/O
06/07/09 ORL 96 @ LAL 101 -7.0 202.0 L/U
06/04/09 ORL 75 @ LAL 100 -6.0 206.0 W/U
05/29/09 LAL 119 @DEN 92 +5 209.5 W/O
05/27/09 DEN 94 @ LAL 103 -6.0 209.5 W/U
05/25/09 LAL 101 @ DEN 120 +4.5 209.0 L/O
05/23/09 LAL 103 @DEN 97 +3.5 213.0 W/U
05/21/09 DEN 106 @LAL 103 -5.5 212.5 L/U
05/19/09 DEN 103 @ LAL 105 -7.0 214.0 L/U
05/17/09 HOU 70 @ LAL 89 -13.0 195.0 W/U


Los Angeles Last 5 Home Games
Date Matchup Line Total ATS Result
06/07/09 ORL 96 @ LAL 101 -7.0 202.0 L/U
06/04/09 ORL 75 @ LAL 100 -6.0 206.0 W/U
05/27/09 DEN 94 @ LAL 103 -6.0 209.5 W/U
05/21/09 DEN 106 @ LAL 103 -5.5 212.5 L/U
05/19/09 DEN 103 @ LAL 105 -7.0 214.0 L/U
05/14/09 LAL 80 @ HOU 95 -9.5 197.5 L/U


Orlando Last 10 Games
Date Matchup Line Total ATS Result
06/09/09 LAL 104 @ ORL 108 -4.5 199.0 L/O
06/07/09 ORL 96 @ LAL 101 +7 202.0 W/U
06/04/09 ORL 75 @ LAL 100 +6 206.0 L/U
05/30/09 CLE 90 @ ORL 103 -2.5 193.5 W/U
05/28/09 ORL 102 @ CLE 112 +7 191.0 L/O
05/26/09 CLE 114 @ ORL 116 +1.5 188.5 W/O
05/24/09 CLE 89 @ ORL 99 -1.5 189.5 W/U
05/22/09 ORL 95 @ CLE 96 +9 189.0 W/O
05/20/09 ORL 107 @CLE 106 +8.5 184.0 W/O
05/17/09 ORL 101 @BOS 82 +3 187.0 W/U


Orlando Last 5 Home Games
Date Matchup Line Total ATS Result
06/09/09 LAL 104 @ ORL 108 -4.5 199.0 L/O
05/30/09 CLE 90 @ ORL 103 -2.5 193.5 W/U
05/26/09 CLE 114 @ ORL 116 +1.5 188.5 W/O
05/24/09 CLE 89 @ ORL 99 -1.5 189.5 W/U
05/14/09 BOS 75 @ ORL 83 -6.5 190.0 W/U


Over / Under
Overall Home Away
Los Angeles 6-14 2-9 4-5
Orlando 8-12 3-5 5-7

 

[Lumi]

Game 4, Lakers at Magic

Game 4, Lakers at Magic

Game 4, Lakers at Magic

Through the first three rounds of the playoffs, the home team posted a 54-25 straight up record, which included an 8-4 mark in the conference finals. The Lakers captured the first two games of the NBA Finals at Staples Center, proving that homecourt edge is instrumental in winning the championship.

On Tuesday, Orlando kept the hot streak at home going as it dropped Los Angeles 108-104 in Game 3 to pull within 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. After scoring a playoff-low 75 in Game 1 and only 96 in Game 2, the Magic prolific offense finally caught fire.

Stan Van Gundy?s club set NBA Finals records for shooting percentage from the floor in both the first half (75%) and the game (63%). Orlando?s specialty is the long ball yet the team was just 5-of-14 (35.7%) from 3-point land on Tuesday. The key to the success was balance and attacking the rim, which is exactly what the Magic received in Game 3 from its role players.

?Lamar Odom was the difference in Game 2, but it was Rafer Alston and Mickael Pietrus erupting for Orlando in Game 3. I know Alston wasn?t playing well in L.A., but Van Gundy has got to go with who got him there. He played Jameer Nelson way too much in the first two games,?

Rafer Alston scored 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting in Game 3 after being held to a combined 10 points in the two games at Los Angeles. Pietrus had 18 points by draining 7-of-11 attempts from the field and had three steals, including a big rip late on the Lakers? Kobe Bryant.


Orlando's Dwight Howard posted 21 points and 14 rebounds in Game 3's victory. (AP Images)

Bryant finished with 31 points but he was just 3-of-10 in the second half and the aforementioned turnover plus costly misses at the free throw line hurt the club. The Black Mamba went 5-of-10 from the charity stripe in Game 3, which was well below his playoff percentage of 87.3.

Orlando?s Dwight Howard was timid in his first two finals appearances but stepped up with 21 points and 14 rebounds on Tuesday, 11 of his points coming from the free-throw line. Defensively, Howard was exposed a bit by Pau Gasol, who finished with 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting. It makes you wonder why the Spanish product didn?t get more touches down the stretch.

Another thing people are wondering about in Game 3 is why the refs blew the whistle at the end of the game. With Orlando leading 106-102, the Lakers missed numerous 3-point attempts before Kobe Bryant chipped in a meaningless bucket with 0.5 seconds left to cut the lead to 106-104.

On the ensuing in-bounds play, the Lakers immediately fouled but the horn sounded and the confetti fell from the rafters at Amway Arena. For bettors who had the Lakers as four-point underdogs, this was obviously a crucial clock decision.

After reviewing the play, the officials added 0.2 ticks back on the clock and Rashard Lewis went to the free throw line for two. He nailed both free throws to at least allow some Magic backers to garner a push. What?s even funnier about the second make is it appeared that Van Gundy wanted him to miss.

Fast forwarding to Game 4, the oddsmakers dropped the Magic down to 2 ?-point favorites, while the total jumped from 198 ? to 202 ?.

Brian talked about the shift at the books. He said, ?I think we?ve got good numbers from the oddsmakers here. I feel the side is a toss-up, so making the Magic the short favorite at home is the right call, and I agree that you take 1 ?-2 points off of the number from Game 3. As for the total, it?s right to increase it, four points in this instance. But before gamblers pounce on the ?over,? they should consider that the total only hit 212 with Orlando setting Finals records with its shooting. Surely the Magic won?t shoot that sort of percentage again in Game 4??

While Orlando?s offense broke all sorts of records in Tuesday?s affair, bettors should also be aware that the Lakers? attack hasn?t been slowed down at all by Orlando in the first three games.





Prior to the finals, the Magic only gave up 100-plus points in four of their 19 games in the first round of the playoffs. Since then, the Lakers have busted the century mark in all three games of the finale. And, the Lakers? offense hasn?t brought its ?A? game to the finals either, especially from long range. The team is shooting just 34 percent from 3-point land.

The setback for the Lakers dropped their road record to 4-5 both SU and ATS in the playoffs. Fatigue could set in Game 4, since this will be the second battle played on one-day of rest for both teams and the third game in five days.

On just one day off this year, both the Lakers (45-16 SU, 26-34 ATS) and Magic (44-19 SU, 37-25 ATS) have been productive during the season.

The Lakers are still listed as minus-500 favorites (Bet $500 to win $100) to win the best-of-seven series. Magic backers can take a shot at their team at a 7/2 price (Bet $100 to win $350).

Game 5 is slated for Sunday from Amway Arena.

 

[Lumi]

Trends - L.A. Lakers at Orlando

Trends - L.A. Lakers at Orlando

Trends - L.A. Lakers at Orlando

ATS Trends

L.A. Lakers
Lakers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. loss.
Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Lakers are 23-8-2 ATS in their last 33 games as a road underdog.
Lakers are 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 games as an underdog.
Lakers are 17-7 ATS in their last 24 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Lakers are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 Thursday games.
Lakers are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 games as a road underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Lakers are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
Lakers are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 vs. NBA Southeast.
Lakers are 2-11-1 ATS in their last 14 NBA Championship games.


Orlando


Magic are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Magic are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Magic are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Magic are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Magic are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 vs. NBA Pacific.
Magic are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Magic are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Magic are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
Magic are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite.
Magic are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 playoff games as a favorite.
Magic are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Magic are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a home favorite.
Magic are 55-23-1 ATS in their last 79 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Magic are 55-23-3 ATS in their last 81 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Magic are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 Thursday games.
Magic are 36-16-1 ATS in their last 53 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Magic are 42-20-1 ATS in their last 63 games following a ATS loss.
Magic are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.


OU Trends

L.A. Lakers
Under is 5-0 in Lakers last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-1 in Lakers last 8 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 5-1 in Lakers last 6 vs. NBA Southeast.
Over is 5-1 in Lakers last 6 games as a road underdog.
Over is 5-1 in Lakers last 6 games as an underdog.
Under is 17-4 in Lakers last 21 games following a S.U. loss.
Over is 4-1 in Lakers last 5 games as a road underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Over is 4-1 in Lakers last 5 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Over is 4-1 in Lakers last 5 playoff games as an underdog.
Under is 4-1 in Lakers last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 10-3 in Lakers last 13 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 10-3 in Lakers last 13 overall.
Under is 19-7 in Lakers last 26 Thursday games.
Under is 10-4 in Lakers last 14 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Lakers last 7 games following a ATS win.
Under is 7-3 in Lakers last 10 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-3 in Lakers last 10 games playing on 1 days rest.


Orlando

Over is 4-0 in Magic last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 6-1 in Magic last 7 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 11-2 in Magic last 13 Thursday games.
Over is 5-1 in Magic last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Magic last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 9-2 in Magic last 11 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 4-1 in Magic last 5 games following a S.U. win.
Over is 5-2 in Magic last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Magic last 7 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Under is 7-3 in Magic last 10 playoff games as a favorite.
Under is 7-3 in Magic last 10 games as a favorite.
Under is 27-12 in Magic last 39 games as a home favorite.
Under is 11-5 in Magic last 16 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 53-24 in Magic last 77 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.


Head to Head

Over is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Orlando.
Lakers are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Orlando.
Road team is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
Underdog is 8-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.

 

[Lumi]

Today's Refs - L.A. Lakers at Orlando

Today's Refs - L.A. Lakers at Orlando

Today's Refs - L.A. Lakers at Orlando

Mike Callahan - Profile
GeneralJersey Number 24 Avg. Home Score 100.0
Games Officiated 65 Avg. Road Score 98.6
Home Team ATS 31-34-0 Home Avg. Margin 1.4
Home Team W/L 38-27 Avg. Total Score 198.6
Over/Under vs. the TotalOverall 36-26
184.5 or less 4-6
185-194.5 16-9
195-204.5 9-4
205+ 7-7
Favorite or UnderdogSpread Home Fav Home Dog
0-4.5 9-10 5-7
5-9.5 11-8 3-4
10+ 3-5 0-0

Recent Games with L.A. LakersDate vs. Score Line O/U Mar LAL FG Opp FG Reb
05/29/09 @DEN W 119-92 W 5.5 O 208.5 32.5 43/75 32/73 38-27
05/17/09 HOU W 89-70 W -13 U 194.0 6.0 35/75 28/76 55-33
04/23/09 @UTA L 86-88 L -2 U 213.5 -4.0 32/87 33/75 40-55
03/29/09 @ATL L 76-86 L -3.5 U 200.0 -13.5 28/80 33/84 50-45
03/17/09 PHI L 93-94 L -9.5 U 206.5 -10.5 37/74 38/86 43-38
02/24/09 @OKC W 107-93 W -7.5 U 221.5 6.5 41/78 33/79 30-45
01/13/09 @HOU W 105-100 W -4 O 195.5 1.0 41/81 44/83 34-39
11/09/08 HOU W 111-82 W -7 O 192.5 22.0 42/79 31/82 50-36
05/25/08 @SA L 84-103 L 5.5 U 193.5 -13.5 35/82 38/74 42-39
03/09/08 SAC L 113-114 L -13.5 O 222.0 -14.5 41/86 44/80 36-37
Recent Games with OrlandoDate vs. Score Line O/U Mar ORL FG Opp FG Reb
05/26/09 CLE W 116-114 (OT) W 1.5 O 187.5 3.5 40/80 39/87 38-40
05/12/09 @BOS L 88-92 L 2 U 192.5 -2.0 36/80 33/78 39-42
03/30/09 @MIA W 101-95 W -2.5 O 193.0 3.5 35/69 39/86 42-34
02/18/09 @NO L 85-117 L 1.5 O 189.0 -30.5 26/70 46/79 35-46
01/11/09 @SA W 105-98 W 3 O 187.5 10.0 36/74 39/77 33-38
11/26/08 @PHI W 96-94 W 5 U 190.5 7.0 32/68 36/81 39-39
05/10/08 DET L 89-90 L -5.5 U 188.0 -6.5 34/73 36/79 35-39
04/11/08 MIN L 101-102 L -12 U 206.0 -13.0 39/76 38/85 37-46
04/05/08 @CLE W 101-86 W 2 U 197.0 17.0 36/77 34/88 33-48
02/11/08 CLE L 111-118 L -9.5 O 197.5 -16.5 41/85 38/71 41-41

Scott Foster - Profile
GeneralJersey Number 48 Avg. Home Score 101.9
Games Officiated 78 Avg. Road Score 99.9
Home Team ATS 34-41-3 Home Avg. Margin 1.9
Home Team W/L 47-31 Avg. Total Score 201.8
Over/Under vs. the TotalOverall 48-29
184.5 or less 6-3
185-194.5 15-10
195-204.5 11-10
205+ 16-6
Favorite or Underdog

Spread Home Fav Home Dog
0-4.5 9-14 8-4
5-9.5 9-13 5-1
10+ 3-7 0-2

Recent Games with L.A. Lakers

Date vs. Score Line O/U Mar LAL FG Opp FG Reb
05/19/09 DEN W 105-103 L -6.5 U 214.0 -4.5 37/90 36/74 46-37
05/04/09 HOU L 92-100 L -8.5 U 193.0 -16.5 39/88 35/73 39-35
02/20/09 NO W 115-111 (OT) L -8.5 O 207.0 -4.5 38/92 42/92 53-49
01/31/09 @MEM W 115-98 W -10.5 O 206.0 6.5 44/82 39/76 38-35
01/02/09 UTA W 113-100 W -10 O 208.0 3.0 39/85 39/92 46-51
12/19/08 @MIA L 87-89 L -8 U 202.5 -10.0 35/74 32/73 40-38
06/15/08 BOS W 103-98 L -7.5 O 192.0 -2.5 36/79 33/77 40-37
06/05/08 @BOS L 88-98 L 3 U 191.5 -7.0 32/77 32/76 33-46
05/16/08 @UTA W 108-105 W 4 O 212.5 7.0 35/70 37/97 38-52
04/11/08 NO W 107-104 L -5 U 212.5 -2.0 36/80 41/80 45-33

Recent Games with Orlando
Date vs. Score Line O/U Mar ORL FG Opp FG Reb
05/26/09 CLE W 116-114 (OT) W 1.5 O 187.5 3.5 40/80 39/87 38-40
05/17/09 @BOS W 101-82 W 2.5 U 187.0 21.5 36/70 29/74 35-37
05/08/09 BOS W 117-96 W -5 O 189.0 16.0 39/66 34/79 36-29
04/30/09 @PHI W 114-89 W 5.5 O 186.5 30.5 44/82 31/76 41-36
03/03/09 PHO W 111-99 W -7.5 U 233.5 4.5 37/78 40/90 44-43
02/04/09 LAC W 125-96 W -13 O 200.0 16.0 47/83 36/85 48-32
01/07/09 @ATL W 106-102 W 2 O 191.0 6.0 36/72 40/84 43-39
12/05/08 OKC W 98-89 L -13 U 205.0 -4.0 38/84 36/83 45-46
05/13/08 @DET L 86-91 W 6 U 186.5 1.0 31/64 30/83 46-38
04/24/08 @TOR L 94-108 L 4 U 204.5 -10.0 34/73 42/85 34-42

Bennett Salvatore - Profile
GeneralJersey Number 15 Avg. Home Score 100.5
Games Officiated 77 Avg. Road Score 97.1
Home Team ATS 41-36-0 Home Avg. Margin 3.4
Home Team W/L 48-29 Avg. Total Score 197.6
Over/Under vs. the TotalOverall 41-36
184.5 or less 7-3
185-194.5 14-9
195-204.5 12-13
205+ 8-11

Favorite or Underdog

Spread Home Fav Home Dog
0-4.5 11-12 6-8
5-9.5 8-5 6-6
10+ 9-6 1-0

Recent Games with L.A. Lakers

Date vs. Score Line O/U Mar LAL FG Opp FG Reb
05/25/09 @DEN L 101-120 L 4.5 O 208.5 -14.5 34/82 38/86 40-58
05/12/09 HOU W 118-78 W -12 U 199.5 28.0 42/82 29/89 49-42
04/23/09 @UTA L 86-88 L -2 U 213.5 -4.0 32/87 33/75 40-55
03/21/09 @CHI W 117-109 W -3.5 O 212.0 4.5 45/91 39/77 39-45
03/01/09 @PHO L 111-118 L -4.5 U 239.0 -11.5 42/94 43/77 43-36
01/11/09 MIA W 108-105 L -11 O 203.5 -8.0 37/83 43/93 53-38
11/25/08 NJ W 120-93 W -13.5 O 210.0 13.5 44/87 30/87 51-45
06/17/08 @BOS L 92-131 L 4 O 191.5 -35.0 27/64 43/87 29-48
06/10/08 BOS W 87-81 L -9.5 U 195.5 -3.5 30/69 29/83 44-45
05/23/08 SA W 101-71 W -6.5 U 193.5 23.5 39/71 30/87 44-36
Recent Games with OrlandoDate vs. Score Line O/U Mar ORL FG Opp FG Reb
05/30/09 CLE W 103-90 W -2 O 192.5 11.0 37/80 35/79 47-34
05/20/09 @CLE W 107-106 W 8.5 O 184.0 9.5 43/78 43/88 36-33
05/06/09 @BOS L 94-112 L 4 O 190.0 -14.0 31/70 41/80 34-41
03/27/09 MIL W 110-94 W -12 O 198.0 4.0 41/80 36/92 48-44
12/18/08 SA W 90-78 W -2.5 U 192.0 9.5 38/85 30/80 44-39
10/31/08 @MEM L 84-86 L -7.5 U 193.5 -9.5 29/69 30/76 44-42
05/07/08 DET W 111-86 W -5 O 187.0 20.0 42/78 31/77 41-35
04/28/08 TOR W 102-92 W -7.5 U 204.0 2.5 35/78 35/85 55-37
04/16/08 WAS W 103-83 W -8 U 203.0 12.0 41/88 36/76 43-41
03/28/08 @MIL W 103-86 W -9 U 213.5 8.0 35/79 35/102 44-59

 

[Lumi]

(1-W) Los Angeles Lakers (2-1) at (3-E) Orlando Magic (1-2), 9 p.m.

(1-W) Los Angeles Lakers (2-1) at (3-E) Orlando Magic (1-2), 9 p.m.

(1-W) Los Angeles Lakers (2-1) at (3-E) Orlando Magic (1-2), 9 p.m.

- Orlando disposed of the rather large monkey on its back Tuesday.

Now, the Magic hope to build on the momentum they created and even the NBA Finals at two games apiece tonight when they host the Los Angeles Lakers at Amway Arena.

Dwight Howard scored 21 points with 14 rebounds in Game 3, as Orlando finally put the ball in the basket and watched Kobe Bryant miss several shots and commit a key turnover down the stretch, as the Magic beat the Lakers, 108-104, to win the first finals game in franchise history.

"My teammates found me in good spots to score," Howard said after the game. "I tried to do the best I could."

Rafer Alston, after shooting a miserable 3-for-17 in the first two contests of the set, knocked down eight of his 12 shots and set the tone by scoring 13 of his 20 points in the first half.

Rashard Lewis donated 21 points, Hedo Turkoglu recorded 18 points with seven assists and six rebounds, and Mickael Pietrus scored 18 points off the bench on 7-of-11 shooting.

The Magic shot an NBA Finals record 75 percent in the first half, and ended up making a Finals record 62.5 percent of their shots for the entire 48 minutes.

"It went in the basket tonight. It is a tried and true formula. I say this all the time, this is a crazy game," said Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy.

Bryant scored 17 points in the final five-plus minutes of the first quarter then went hot and cold for the rest of the contest, finishing with 31 points and eight assists. Pau Gasol added 23 points and Trevor Ariza contributed 13 points and seven rebounds.

"It is a series of adjustments," said Bryant. "We had an opportunity to win the game in spite of our miscues."

Bryant shot just 3-of-10 from the field in the second half and missed four free throws. In the fourth quarter, the game's best closer seemed to wear down and was just 2-of-6, missing all three of his three-point attempts and committing a key turnover in the finals 30 seconds when the Lakers had a chance to even the game.

"We are all frail as humans. Sometimes not as much as others," Lakers head coach Phil Jackson said about Bryant's failure to pull the club to the finish line down the stretch.

On Wednesday, Bryant, who has been playing basketball for three straight calendar years due to his commitment to USA Basketball, denied he was fatigued.

"As far as me hitting the wall, so what if I did?" a surly Bryant said. "I didn't, but so what if I did? I'll run straight through it."

The Magic certainly believe that and aren't expecting a second straight subpar performance from the league's best all-around player.

"We have to understand...he's not one to let it happen on back-to-back occasions," Alston said.

Despite the win in Game 3 Orlando is still fighting history to get back in this series and win its first NBA championship.

LA is a gaudy 38-1 in its franchise history when they have taken the first two games of a seven-game series. The early 2-0 advantage for the Lakers also marked the 13th time and the fifth straight season in which the home team has won the first two games of The Finals since the NBA went to a 2-3-2 format in 1985.

In 11 of the previous 12 instances, the home team winning both Game 1 and Game 2 has gone on to win the NBA Championship with the lone exception coming in 2006, when Dallas won the first two games at home but lost the next four straight to Miami.

In NBA Finals history, a team with a 2-0 edge has triumphed in The Finals 31 times, with only three teams ever coming back from an 0-2 deficit to win the title, the 1969 Boston Celtics (against LA), the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers and the 2006 Heat.

Meanwhile, Jackson, who is aiming for his record 10th NBA championship as an NBA coach, is a perfect 43-0 in the postseason when his team wins Game 1 of a set.

The Lakers, who are in search of the 15th title in franchise history, have also played exceptionally well after a loss in this year's postseason, compiling a 6-0 record.

Orlando, however, has been incredibly resilient in the playoffs and has already made a little history. Down 3-2 in the Eastern Conference semifinals against last year's NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, the Magic recovered to win that set in seven games. The C's had been a perfect 32-0 in their history when taking a 3-2 edge.

"We've been through it," Van Gundy said earlier in the series. "As the playoffs have gone on, I'm given (his team) history lessons of just anything that can happen in the playoffs."

The series will remain in Orlando for Game 5 on Sunday.

 

[Lumi]

NBA Matchup - Orlando vs. LA Lakers

NBA Matchup - Orlando vs. LA Lakers

NBA Matchup - Orlando vs. LA Lakers

(3-E) Orlando Magic (59-23) vs. (1-W) Los Angeles Lakers (65-17)
Game One LA Lakers 100, Orlando 75
Game Two LA Lakers 101, Orlando 96 (OT)
Game Three Orlando 108, LA Lakers 104
Game Four Thursday, June 11th - LA Lakers at Orlando, 9 p.m.
Game Five Sunday, June 14th - LA Lakers at Orlando, 8 p.m.
*Game Six Tuesday, June 16th - Orlando at LA Lakers, 9 p.m.
*Game Seven Thursday, June 18th - Orlando at LA Lakers, 9 p.m.
Records
2008-09 Head-to-head record Orlando 2-0
2007-08 Head-to-head record Tied 1-1
2006-07 Head-to-head record Los Angeles 2-0
2005-06 Head-to-head record Los Angeles 2-0
2004-05 Head-to-head record Tied 1-1
2003-04 Head-to-head record Los Angeles 2-0
2002-03 Head-to-head record Tied 1-1
Overall Head-to-head record Los Angeles 30-11
Home Record Orlando 32-9; Los Angeles 36-5
Away Record Orlando 27-14; Los Angeles 29-12
Record vs. Pacific Division Orlando 9-1
Record vs. Southeast Division Los Angeles 4-6
Record vs. Western Conference Orlando 22-8
Record vs. Eastern Conference Los Angeles 21-9
2008-2009 Meetings
12/20 - Orlando, 106-103 (at Orl)
01/16 - Orlando, 109-103 (at LA)
2007-2008 Meetings
12/02 - Orlando, 104-97 (at LA)
02/08 - Los Angeles, 117-113 (at Orl)
2006-2007 Meetings
12/27 - Los Angeles, 106-93 (at Orl)
01/12 - Los Angeles, 109-106 (at LA)
2005-2006 Meetings
12/23 - Los Angeles, 104-88 (at Orl)
02/28 - Los Angeles, 102-87 (at LA)
2004-2005 Meetings
11/12 - Orlando, 122-113 (at Orl)
12/12 - Los Angeles, 105-98 (at LA)
2003-2004 Meetings
02/08 - Los Angeles, 98-96 (at Orl)
03/15 - Los Angeles, 113-110 ot (at LA)
2002-2003 Meetings
11/27 - Orlando, 112-102 (at Orl)
12/15 - Los Angeles, 107-84 (at LA)
Game Notes
Note - Orlando has won two straight and three of the last four meetings.
Note - The Lakers have won six of nine and nine of the last 13 meetings.
Note - The Lakers have won 16 of 21, 17 of 23 and 19 of the last 26 meetings.
Note - Orlando has won two straight after losing its last 10 at the Lakers.
Note - Orlando has lost 12 of its last 15 at the Lakers.
Note - Orlando is 4-16 at the Lakers.
Note - Orlando snapped a three-game series home losing streak on 12/20/08.
Note - The Lakers have won four of their last six at Orlando.
Note - The Lakers have won eight of 11 and nine of their last 14 at Orlando.
Orlando last 22 games Los Angeles last 22 games
04/19 - L vs. Philadelphia, 98-100 POFF 04/14 - W vs. Utah, 125-112
04/22 - W vs. Philadelphia, 96-87 POFF 04/19 - W vs. Utah, 113-100 POFF
04/24 - L at Philadelphia, 94-96 POFF 04/21 - W vs. Utah, 119-109 POFF
04/26 - W at Philadelphia, 84-81 POFF 04/23 - L at Utah, 86-88 POFF
04/28 - W vs. Philadelphia, 91-78 POFF 04/25 - W at Utah, 108-94 POFF
04/30 - W at Philadelphia, 114-89 POFF 04/27 - W vs. Utah, 107-96 POFF
05/04 - W at Boston, 95-90 POFF 05/04 - L vs. Houston, 92-100 POFF
05/06 - L at Boston, 94-112 POFF 05/06 - W vs. Houston, 111-98 POFF
05/08 - W vs. Boston, 117-96 POFF 05/08 - W at Houston, 108-94 POFF
05/10 - L vs. Boston, 94-95 POFF 05/10 - L at Houston, 87-99 POFF
05/12 - L at Boston, 88-92 POFF 05/12 - W vs. Houston, 118-78 POFF
05/14 - W vs. Boston, 83-75 POFF 05/14 - L at Houston, 80-95 POFF
05/17 - W at Boston, 101-82 POFF 05/17 - W vs. Houston, 89-70 POFF
05/20 - W at Cleveland, 107-106 POFF 05/19 - W vs. Denver, 105-103 POFF
05/22 - L at Cleveland, 95-96 POFF 05/21 - L vs. Denver, 103-106 POFF
05/24 - W vs. Cleveland, 99-89 POFF 05/23 - W at Denver, 103-97 POFF
05/26 - W vs. Cleveland, 116-114 OT POFF 05/25 - L at Denver, 101-120 POFF
05/28 - L at Cleveland, 102-112 POFF 05/27 - W vs. Denver, 103-94 POFF
05/30 - W vs. Cleveland, 103-90 POFF 05/29 - W at Denver, 119-92 POFF
06/04 - L at LA Lakers, 75-100 POFF 06/04 - W vs. Orlando, 100-75 POFF
06/07 - L at LA Lakers, 96-101 OT POFF 06/07 - W vs. Orlando, 101-96 OT POFF
06/09 - W vs. LA Lakers, 108-104 POFF 06/09 - L at Orlando, 104-108 POFF

 

[Lumi]

The NBA Finals shift this week from Los Angeles to Florida, as the Lakers head to Orl

The NBA Finals shift this week from Los Angeles to Florida, as the Lakers head to Orl

The NBA Finals shift this week from Los Angeles to Florida, as the Lakers head to Orlando for Game 3, 4 and 5. Many fans find this odd, as all the previous series are in a 2-2-1-1-1 format, but then the Finals shifts to a 2-3-2 format. It is odd, but there is a reason for the change: M-O-N-E-Y. The NBA prefers a longer series to build up interest and increase television ratings. The league won't admit it but the 2-3-2 format was instituted because it's theoretically tougher for a team to win the first two games at home, then win two of the next three on the road to close out a series in five games. The league doesn't want five games, it wants six or seven.

It also hasn't worked often. Since 1994 there have only been two seven-game Finals. Over the last nine years the Finals have gone 5, 6, 5, 4, 6, 5, 7, 6, 4 and 6 games. Too many sweeps and five-game series, not exactly what television executives and ratings observers would like.

It wasn't always this way. The 2-3-2 format, which copies the World Series, was put into effect for the 1985 NBA Finals when the Celtics and Lakers met. Before that, the Finals had always been 2-2-1-1-1, which worked fine. In fact, from 1976-84 there were three 7th games in the Finals and five series that went six games. Since 1985 under the 2-3-2 format there have more sweeps (4) than seven-game NBA Finals (just three, 1988, 1994, 2005).

Some players have even suggested that the team with home court doesn't really have an edge, being forced to play three road games in a row in the middle of the Finals. Not having home court appeared to help the Pistons five years ago, as they got a split in LA in the first two games, then came home and swept the middle three for the title. Three years ago Miami got back in the series, down 2-0, then sweeping the middle three at home.

When the Celtics defeated the Lakers in seven games in 1984 (the last of the 2-2-1-1-1 format), they took a 3-2 series lead by winning the key fifth game at home. That's an edge that won't be possible this Finals. A year later (1985) when the two met again, the Lakers won the fifth game at home to take a 3-2 series lead and went on to win the series under the new 2-3-2 format. After the series, Celtics star Larry Bird commented that he didn't like the format change, and didn't like the fact that the all-important fifth game was on the road even though his team had earned the home court via a better regular season record.

You can argue the same thing happened three seasons ago when the Mavericks went up 2-0 at home, then had to play three in a row in Miami. The Heat won all three, including the pivotal fifth game, putting the pressure on Dallas. The Mavs surely would have preferred to come home for Game 5.

Not counting this current series, over the last nine years the home team is 41-12 SU, 32-20-1 ATS in the Finals, while the favorite is 36-17 SU/27-25-1 ATS. Recent results show the home team stepping up and getting the money, while the favorite often wins but doesn't always cover. In fact, from 2001-2004 the home team went just 10-10 SU/6-13-1 ATS in the Finals.

Defense often rules this time of the year. Last year the Celtics and Lakers were in the top six in defensive field goal percentage allowed, while Boston was second in points allowed. Orlando and LA have reputations of being all-offense, but this may surprise you: This season Orlando is at 6th in points allowed and LA at 13th; plus the Lakers are sixth in field goal shooting defense while the Magic is third (43%).

Two years ago the Cavs and Spurs were in the Top 8 in field goal defense with the Spurs No. 1 allowing 89 ppg. Four years ago the Pistons and Spurs finished the regular season one and two in the NBA defensively and met in the Finals. This certainly adds to the long list of teams that have won titles with defense, supporting the old adage, "Defense wins championships." Don't discount the importance of defense this time of the year!