5* Lakers/Magic NBA Blue Chip Top Play: Magic +8

LA Lakers vs. Orlando, 03/12/2013 19:00 EDT, Score: 106 - 97

Point Spread: +8/-105 Orlando

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Loss

5* Lakers/Magic NBA Blue Chip Top Play: Magic +8

The Lakers have got themselves back in playoff contention. However, while they have won 8 of 10 overall, they are just 5-5 ATS during this stretch. They have been very fortunate to win a number of those games, as they have had to rally in the 4th quarter to get a W. The Magic are a good team to back at home in this situation, as this is a rare game where Orlando has reason to get excited about playing. We saw this team nearly upset Miami on the road last week. Over their last four games they are 2-2 with that close loss to the Heat and a 29-point loss at home to the Pacers. That blowout defeat against Indiana will likely scare people away from the Magic, but Indiana's defense is 10x better than what the Lakers bring to the table. Orlando should be able to keep this game close and I wouldn't be all that surprised if they pulled off the upset.

The Lakers are just 9-19-1 ATS in their last 29 games vs the Eastern Conference, 6-14-1 ATS in their last 21 games vs a team with a winning % below .400. Orlando on the other hand is 36-16-1 ATS in their last 52 games vs the Pacific Division. BET THE MAGIC!