BUZZ LEVERE
NBA Toronto vs. Orlando
Take Orlando Magic
Toronto @ Orlando The Raptors come off a tough loss in Miami last night and play their 3rd in 4 night?s here in Orlando tonight against a Magic team whose recent slump has them on the outside looking in for the 8th and final playoff spot. Orlando has lost 10 of 12 SU and are just 3-9 ATS over their last dozen games and now trail 8th place Philadelphia by 4 games in the Eastern Conference. This is certainly an urgent situation tonight for the Magic and a loss here would be devasting for their playoff chances. The Raptors have been pretty solid on the road against the number of late going 5-2. Toronto has been brutal away from the Air Canada Center this season winning just 8 times in 35 attempts but markedly better in recent weeks in a spoiler role. With that said however it might be a lot to ask for them to hang here considering their condensed road trip and the back to back situation, not to mention the 3 games in 4 nights, and 4 in 6 going back to last Thursday. In addition Donyell Marshall has been hampered by back spasms and was limited to just 4 minutes in Atlanta and was ineffective last night in Miami. Despite the recent slump the Magic seem to be getting their house in order. The wake up call was back to back losses to Charlotte last week and in 2 games since they?ve delivered a gritty effort in Phoenix losing 116-114 Saturday night against arguably the best team in the NBA, and beaten Atlanta soundly on the road on Monday night. Most importantly Steve Francis is getting hot and has seemingly buried the hatchet in regards to his feud with Head Coach Chris Jent. The injury situation has vastly improved as well with all hands on deck tonight. You can count on a much better Orlando team for as long as they can remain healthy and avoid the internal bickering. This team is loaded up front with Kato, Howard, and Hill along with 2 terrific Guards in Francis and DeShaun Stevenson. Depth is not an issue and keep in mind these Magic are 22-12 on home court this season. Look for some desperation and urgency in the Magic?s play tonight as they take advantage of the road weary Raptors. Toronto has won 2 of 3 against Orlando but lost the lone meeting here at the TD Waterhouse Center by 21 points. Orlando has the size up front and the slick playmakers to roll here in a must win situation. Look for Toronto to fade as they get outworked and soundly outplayed by a much better Magic roster! Play Orlando -5 ?