Magic vs Hawks | Game 3 Prediction & Pick

vs.

Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks
Friday, April 23, 2011 at 8:00 pm EST on ESPN2

Spread: Magic -2
Money Line: Magic -130 / Hawks +110
Over/Under: 180

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The fourth-seeded Orlando Magic travel to play the Atlanta Hawks tied at 1-1 in their best-of-seven, first round, Eastern Conference playoff series.

Orlando is a one-man show at this point with center Dwight Howard, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the second year in a row. Howard scored 46 points in a Game 1 loss and then had 33 points and 19 rebounds in the Game 2 win as Orlando pulled it out late. He also played all 48 minutes in the second game. He’s not getting help and that doesn’t bode well for the Magic.

With Josh Smith, Jamal Crawford and Joe Johnson all playing well Atlanta looks tough to beat. Here’s the thing to consider: With the series tied 1-1 none of the three has had a HUGE game. Atlanta is winning with each getting 15-20 and Al Horford shouldering the load of dealing with Dwight Howard. If either Smith, Crawford or Johnson pops off for 30, watch out.

The odds makers have the Orlando Magic as a -2 point favorite with an over/under of 180.

Check out the latest NBA Basketball Playoff Odds here.

Orlando can get 40 points and 20 rebounds from Howard and still lose. Horford might be able to take advantage of Orlando’s big man being understandably fatigued and at least neutralize him for one game.

Prediction: Atlanta returns home, Smith goes double-double and Johnson puts up 30. Hawks win by 5.

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Orlando Magic Betting Trends:
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Orlando’s last 18 games
Orlando is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Orlando is 6-16 ATS in its last 22 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando’s last 6 games on the road

Atlanta Hawks Betting Trends:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta’s last 5 games
Atlanta is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Atlanta is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 5 games at home

Orlando Magic vs Atlanta Hawks 2011 Playoff Schedule
Game 4: Sun. April 24: Orlando @ Atlanta – 7:00 pm EST on TNT
Game 5: Tue. April 26: Atlanta @ Orlando – TBD
*Game 6: Thu. April 28: Orlando @ Atlanta – TBD
*Game 7: Sat. April 30: Atlanta @ Orlando – TNT
* If necessary