Syndication25 Dec 2008
Orlando -5.5 @ 2.12 (pinnacle)
Orlando have won and covered nine of their last ten games. Howard and Nelson can take much of the credit on the offensive side as the Magic have hit 100 points in 4 of their last 5 games as they have averaged 104 points in those games. On defence, they have been solid and allowed the league's second highest scoring team (Golden State) to a season-low 31.9% shooting as they beat them 113-81.
New Orleans comes into this game with an energy sapping loss at home to the LA Lakers 100-87 (Orlando beat the Lakers at home 103-100 5 nights ago). Paul is left to do most of the lead up work and without the support that he needs to contain the Magic, they will have similar problems to what happened against the Lakers.
Phoenix - San Antonio over 207.5 @ 2.60 (bet 365) (now at 201)
Phoenix have hit 100 points in their last 7 games as well as allowing the opposition to hit 100 points in their last 16 games. They have averaged 112 points in their last 5 games on offence and with the addition of Richardson into their lineup, then they should continue to score and more. While the Spurs have allowed only an average of 91 points in their last 5 games, they will be hard pressed from the Suns not getting three figures here.
San Antonio have scored an average of 94 points in their last 5 games but in their last 3 they have hit 99, 101 and 107 and now face a Phoenix defence that has allowed an average of 111 points in their last 5 games.
Both teams should be able to hit at least 100 points here and some more, to send it over the posted total. Phoenix won earlier in the season 103-98 in the road to SA but both teams will add points scorers like Ginobili and Richardson who didn't play in that game.
Orlando have won and covered nine of their last ten games. Howard and Nelson can take much of the credit on the offensive side as the Magic have hit 100 points in 4 of their last 5 games as they have averaged 104 points in those games. On defence, they have been solid and allowed the league's second highest scoring team (Golden State) to a season-low 31.9% shooting as they beat them 113-81.
New Orleans comes into this game with an energy sapping loss at home to the LA Lakers 100-87 (Orlando beat the Lakers at home 103-100 5 nights ago). Paul is left to do most of the lead up work and without the support that he needs to contain the Magic, they will have similar problems to what happened against the Lakers.
Phoenix - San Antonio over 207.5 @ 2.60 (bet 365) (now at 201)
Phoenix have hit 100 points in their last 7 games as well as allowing the opposition to hit 100 points in their last 16 games. They have averaged 112 points in their last 5 games on offence and with the addition of Richardson into their lineup, then they should continue to score and more. While the Spurs have allowed only an average of 91 points in their last 5 games, they will be hard pressed from the Suns not getting three figures here.
San Antonio have scored an average of 94 points in their last 5 games but in their last 3 they have hit 99, 101 and 107 and now face a Phoenix defence that has allowed an average of 111 points in their last 5 games.
Both teams should be able to hit at least 100 points here and some more, to send it over the posted total. Phoenix won earlier in the season 103-98 in the road to SA but both teams will add points scorers like Ginobili and Richardson who didn't play in that game.