Friday night viewing has never been this good as we’ve lined up a pair of mouth-watering NBA games that will definitely whet your basketball appetite. Kicking things off tonight is the Eastern Conference showdown between the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets. Then, the Phoenix Suns square off with the Los Angeles Lakers in a marquee Western Conference clash. Read on below for a quick breakdown of these two games and while you’re at it, you can check out our previews of Miami vs. Cleveland and Houston vs. Oklahoma City.
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The Charlotte Hornets extended their winning streak to two games with a hard-fought 87-77 victory over the Detroit Pistons Wednesday night. Kemba Walker scored 14 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter to finally lift the Hornets’ record at Spectrum Center above .500. They will look to keep the momentum going at home when they lock horns with the Orlando Magic tonight.
The Magic are coming off a tough 117-87 loss to the Boston Celtics. Orlando struggled in the second game of a back-to-back, shooting just 37.0 percent from the field in that contest. They will look to turn things around against a Charlotte defense that’s allowing just 101.9 points per game this season, 11th in the NBA.
The Magic are 3-1 ATS in their last four road games against the Hornets.
Something’s gotta give. The Suns and the Lakers will put their respective losing streaks on the line when they square off in an intriguing Western Conference clash at Staples Center later tonight. Both sides are coming off heavy defeats with Phoenix losing to Indiana, 109-94, and the Lakers absorbing a humiliating 134-95 setback at the hands of the Houston Rockets.
Defense has been the main problem for both of these squads this season. Phoenix is 31st in the league in scoring defense, allowing a whopping 113.0 points per game this season. LA isn’t that much better, surrendering 110.3 points per contest this campaign, 29th in the NBA. It’s safe to say we can expect a high-scoring affair between these two struggling sides this evening.
The Lakers are 6-4 SU and 5-4-1 ATS in their last 10 home games against the Suns.
Writer’s Prediction
The Suns (+1.5) end their losing rut with a 112-106 victory over the Lakers.
