Orlando Magic (28-42) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (34-37)
The 2022-23 NBA season continues on Sunday, March 19, 2023, when the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers square off in this interconference battle at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers enter as a 6.0-point favorite with the total set at 231.0.
The Lakers defeated the Magic the first time they met this season, winning 129-110 on December 27. Los Angeles was a 2.5-point underdog in that contest with the total set at 237.5.
Magic Rally to Down Clippers
The Orlando Magic (28-42, 37-32-1 ATS) defeated the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, 113-109. The contest against the Lakers on Sunday will be the final one of a four-game road trip that is seen the team goal 1-2 through the first three games. Orlando is 12-23 on the road and is currently 4.5 games behind Chicago for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
“It was huge, especially because we've had moments like this in the past where we didn't close out,” Markelle Fultz said. “To put together a whole game and weather their runs and continue to push it was big tonight. It just shows what we're capable of when we stay locked in the whole game.”
a certified Markelle Fultz moment pic.twitter.com/0DGByvZlct
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 18, 2023
Fultz scored 12 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter to help lead Orlando to victory. The team shot 50% in the contest and hit 10 three-point attempts while the Clippers hit just six. Fultz led the team in scoring with Wendell Carter chipping in 27 points and 12 rebounds.
This is not a very good team, ranked 26th in points per game (111.6) and 17th in points allowed per contest (114.5). However, they have been much better offensively over their last five, averaging 120.0. Unfortunately, they have been yielding 125.4 points per game over their last five, including giving up 131 or more points in three of their last six contests.
Lakers Fall on Buzzer Beater
The Los Angeles Lakers (34-37, 34-36-1 ATS) lost their second game in a row when they fell to the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, 111-110. Los Angeles has lost three of their last four games. This is the second of a five-game homestand for the team. 18-17 at home this season and are holding the 10th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
“We fought hard to get back into the game, so that's a tough one,” said Anthony Davis. “You've got to be able to win basketball games, whether it's at the free throw line, or me making the right read defensively.”
💔 pic.twitter.com/zUmZ4MoaO4
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 18, 2023
Los Angeles led by two with seconds left in the contest, but Maxi Kleber drilled a three-pointer as time expired to give Dallas one point victory. L.A. shot 51.2% in the contest but were just 5-20 from three-point range and 19-31 from the free-throw line. Dallas hit 16 three-pointers in the victory despite being outrebounded 42-35. Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 26 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lakers are eighth in points per game (116.5) and are allowing 117.0 points per game, 21st overall. However, they have been much better over their last five, allowing 111.4 points per game. The Lakers are fifth in rebounds per game (45.5).
Best Bets for this Game
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
In December, Los Angeles went to Orlando and blew out the Magic, winning by 19. However, Lebron James will not be available for this contest, which should have a dramatic impact on the offensive success of the Lakers. They have been held to 110 points or fewer in three of their last four games while Orlando has scored at least 113 in three straight games.
Los Angeles may win this game, but they are not going to be able to cover the spread. They are simply not producing enough points, and Orlando is playing well enough to keep this game close. They have scored at least 113 in five straight games on the road.
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Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
This contest looks like it is going to go just over 230 points. Orlando has been right around the 114-point mark in their last five games on the road, and it would not be surprising to see them score right at that number against a Lakers team that is allowing 114.2 points per game at home this season. Los Angeles is only averaging 116.9 per game, so look for them to score 117 or 118 in this game. That puts this contest at slightly over 230.
Orlando has gone over in six straight games and has gone over in four of their last five when playing on zero day’s rest. Look for a total of around 232.
