Who will emerge victorious in this East vs. West showdown? Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this NBA matchup and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Golden State Warriors vs. Orlando Magic Preview
Where: Amway Center, Orlando
When: Thursday, February 25, 7:00 PM ET
Line: Golden State Warriors (-8) at Orlando Magic (+8); total: 222.5 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: CSNB/FSFL
Betting on the Golden State Warriors (51-5)
Golden State extended its winning streak to three games with a thrilling 118-112 victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday. It was a terrific performance by the Warriors who preserved their 3.5 game lead atop the Western Conference standings. At 51-5, the Warriors now own the best 56-game start in the history of the NBA.
Starring for the Warriors in this important road win was Stephen Curry. The reigning MVP scored 42 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out seven assists in a sterling all-around display. Curry has been magnificent for the Warriors this campaign, averaging 30 points, 6.6 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game this season. Also playing a huge part in this Golden State victory was Splash Brother Klay Thompson. He scored 33 points, including 15 in a row in the critical fourth quarter.
The league leaders will look to sustain the momentum of that huge win when they square off with the Orlando Magic later tonight. For the Warriors to accomplish that feat, they will need to continue their excellent play on the defensive end. The Warriors are fifth in the NBA in team defensive efficiency, allowing just 0.997 points per possession this season. They will be licking their chops at the prospect of facing an Orlando attack that’s averaging just 100.1 points per game this season, 22nd in the NBA.
The Warriors are 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS in their last four meetings with the Magic.
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Betting on the Orlando Magic (25-30)
The Orlando Magic returned to winning ways Tuesday with a 124-115 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Five players scored in double-figures for the Magic who have now won four of their last six games. With the victory, Orlando moved to within 3.5 games of Charlotte for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Leading the way for Orlando in this critical win was Nikola Vucevic. He scored a season-high 35 points and grabbed nine rebounds against Philadelphia on Tuesday. He was 13 for 21 from the field and a perfect 9 for 9 at the free throw line in that said contest. Vucevic has been a vital cog for the Magic this campaign, averaging 17.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game this season.
He will look to replicate that towering performance when the Magic take on the Warriors tonight. The Magic will have their work cut out for them, however, against a Golden State side that’s first in the NBA in scoring, averaging 115.1 points per game. That being said, the Magic will fancy their chances against the Warriors as they possess one of the league’s best defenses this season. Orlando is ninth in the league in scoring defense, allowing just 101.2 points per contest.
The Magic are 4-2 SU and ATS in their last six home games against the Warriors.
Writer’s Prediction
Golden State (-8) pummels Orlando, 117-98.
