 Game Four: NBA Finals
Magic look to even things up against Kobe and Co.
This is getting to be a really interesting series. After the sports world wrote off the Magic when they went down two games to none, the Magic made them think again. This team likes the underdog role and they cherish making the experts look foolish.
The Magic won the game by pushing the tempo and they caught the Lakers napping. Kobe was not his usual self and even with all of this the Lakers still had a chance to win the game. In game four the Magic will try to even up the series against the Lakers with the same type of attack.
The Lakers will adjust to this and I expect a better defensive effort on the Lakers to stop the Magic in the transition game. For this reason I am going to stay away from the total. I like the chances that the over will come in only because both teams, especially LA have to shoot better from the free throw line. The Magic shot a high percentage last game but it was because they had plenty of open shots. Although I am passing on the total I am going to play the side.
Magic -2
This series has been taken over by the home teams. The Magic fed off the intensity of the crowd and made adjustments that kept the Lakers guessing. Even though the Lakers will be better prepared tonight, Howard is getting more touches. I like the way that Van Gundy is alternating styles between Nelson and Alston and running the floor. It helps with the spacing and getting open shots. The Magic installed a physical defense one Kobe and it frustrated him late in the game. The Magic are 20-6 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 this season and 12-3 ATS at home when the total is between 200 and 204.5 points. Look for the Magic to come out and set the tempo and even up the series in Orlando tonight!
~Matt
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