Read on for more about this game. You can also check out our breakdown of Warriors vs. Blazers.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic Preview
Where: Amway Center, Orlando
When: Friday, February 19, 2016, 7:00 PM ET
Line: Dallas Mavericks (-1) vs. Orlando Magic (+1); total: 201.0 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Dallas Mavericks (29-26)
A road game in Orlando seems to be a perfect way for the Mavericks to jumpstart their season, as they’re 9-0 SU and ATS in their last nine trips there dating back to 2007.
In their most recent outing, the Mavericks dropped a high-scoring outing against Utah, 121-119, on February 9. Defense has been a problem of late for the Mavericks, as they’ve allowed an average of 110.4 points over their last five outings.
Dallas’ offense is also inconsistent of late, having averaged 99.5 points over its last 10 games—ninth lowest among all teams during the same stretch. But as shown in the Utah game, the Mavericks do have the firepower to keep up with most teams.
Led by Chandler Parsons and Deron Williams, who scored 24 and 23 points, respectively, the Mavs shot 48 percent from the field, while also knocking down 11 threes. Wesley Matthews also chipped in 16 points in that game, an encouraging sign that the Mavs’ prized offseason acquisition is now trending upwards after a dismal three-game stretch, wherein Matthews managed just 21 total points.
The under is 3-0 in the last three road games of the Mavs, who are averaging 99.3 points when away from home thus far this season.
Create a betting account now and cash in on all the NBA regular season action.
Betting on the Orlando Magic (23-29)
Will the Magic’s reconfigured lineup pay off immediately? They’re about to find that out later tonight, when they host Dallas at Amway Center in Orlando.
The Magic were among the busiest teams heading into the trade deadline, as they dealt Tobias Harris and Channing Frye to other teams in exchange for Brandon Jennings, Ersan Ilyasova, Jared Cunningham and a 2016 second round pick. Jennings and Ilyasova are going to provide desired depth for Orlando, but they’re likely to start later tonight. Ilyasova should get significant minutes given the departures of Harris and Frye.
In any case, the Magic are counting on Nikola Vucevic, Victor Oladipo, and Elfrid Payton to anchor the team’s attack. Vucevic leads the Magic in points (17.0 PPG) and rebounds (8.9 RPG). Oladipo averages 14.3 PPG and 4.0 APG, while Payton registers 11.1 PPG and 5.8 RPG.
Payton was impressive the last time the Magic met Dallas, albeit in a 107-102 loss on March 18, as he recorded a triple double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists.
Aaron Gordon should also get an increase in minutes with Harris gone Ilyasova yet to fully integrate with the team. Gordon averaged 7.0 points and 9.2 rebounds in Orlando’s past five outings. Gordon had four points and 14 rebounds in Orlando’s latest game, a close 98-96 loss to San Antonio on February 10.
Orlando is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games.
Writer’s Prediction
Dallas (-1) wins, 108-104.
Create a betting account now and create a winning NBA parlay.
