Orlando Magic 2009-2010 Season Preview, Picks & Odds

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Orlando Magic 2008-2009 NBA Record: 59-23, 1st in Southeast Division

Orlando Magic 2008-2009 ATS (Against The Spread): 49-32-1

Orlando Magic Betting Trends & Betting Angles:

• UNDER is 7-1 past 8 vs Bobcats

• 9-1 SU, 8-2 ATS lifetime at home to Bobcats

• 6-0 SU, 5-0-1 ATS past 6 at home to Heat

• 6-0 ATS past 6 trips to Washington

• 2-8 ATS past 10 as double-digit fave

• 10-4 SU past 14 games on no rest

• 16-2 SU, 13-5 ATS past 18 within Southeast

Orlando Magic 2009-2010 Preview & Prediction

The chemistry definitely will change with the subtraction of easy-going Hedo Turkoglu and the addition of Carter, who has a more dominating personality.

It was a bold move for management after getting its first NBA Finals appearance in 14 years, but it also was a risky one. Anything short of getting back to the Finals really will fuel the second guessing.

Also, the Magic are betting that Nelson can return to All-Star form, which might also be a risk, based on the delicate balance of personalities on an NBA roster. He worked well with Turkoglu. Now he must work closely with Carter, who is venturing into new territory on a contending ream.

Orlando Magic Coach: Stan Van Gundy (3rd season)

Orlando Magic Returning Players: Centers Adonal Foyle, Marcin Gortat, Dwight Howard; forwards Rashard Lewis, Mickael Pietrus; guards Jameer Nelson, J.J. Redick.

Orlando Magic Key Additions: Forward Ryan Anderson (trade from Nets), forward Matt Barnes (free agent), forward Brandon Bass (free agent), guard Vince Carter (trade from Nets), forward Linton Johnson (free agent), guard Jason Williams (free agent).

Orlando Magic Key Subtractions: Guard Courtney Lee (traded to Nets), guard Rafer Alston (traded to Nets), forward Tony Battie (traded to Nets), guard Tyronn Lue (free agent), forward Jeremy Richardson (free agent), forward Hedo Turkoglu (re-signed, traded to Raptors).

2009-2010 Orlando Magic Point Guards:

Jameer Nelson became an All-Star for the first rime in his fifth year with the Magic, but shortly after getting that honor, he went down for the season with a shoulder injury that required surgery. He returned for the NBA Finals – a decision that backfired on the Magic – but the move was ineffective, and it changed a well established, playing rotation.

The Magic are so confident that Nelson can regain his form quickly this season, they dumped Rafer Alston, the veteran replacement who took them to the Finals. They will start this season like they did a year ago, with Anthony Johnson as Nelson’s backup.

Nelson averaged 16.7 points and 5.4 assists in 42 games before his injury, giving the Magic another outside scoring threat. Van Gundy loves his leadership, but Nelson’s hard charging style and his lack of size make him vulnerable to injury. He has played fewer than 70 games in three of his five seasons.

If Nelson is healthy, the Magic are in good shape. Although he never will reach the status of a Chris Paul or Deron Williams, he has become a nice fit for a dominating center like Howard. If he gets hurt, they could have problems because Johnson can’t handle starter minutes anymore. He tried last year for a few games before the Magic acquired Alston. They traded Alston to New Jersey as part of the Vince Carter deal because they didn’t want any point guard controversy.

2009-2010 Orlando Magic Off Guards:

Newly acquired Vince Carter still is one of the top shooting guards in the league, and he quickly will replace Hedo Turkoglu as the team’s go-to, late-game scorer. At age 32, he has reached the point in his career where individual statistics will take a back seat to winning games.

Carter gives the Magic the most dynamic perimeter scorer they have had since Tracy McGrady, but how will he change the team’s
chemistry?

J.J. Redick, who has struggled to carve his niche in the league after a stellar college career, has improved in his three seasons. He should be a capable backup now that his passing and defense has improved.

The Magic also can use Mickael Pietrus at this spot, although must of his time now will be spent at small forward. The promising Courtney Lee was sent to New Jersey in the trade for Carter, but as long as Carter stays relatively healthy, they have upgraded the position.

2009-2010 Orlando Magic Small Forwards:

The loss of Hedo Turkoglu will hurt, but the Magic will try and compensate by handling the position by committee.

They actually could improve the position by moving All-Star Rashard Lewis from power forward back to his natural small forward spot. It’s more likely they will use Pietrus and newly acquired free agent Matt Barnes at small forward, leaving Lewis for times when Brandon Bass is working effectively at power forward.

Pietrus is coming off a rocky first season with the Magic. He started at shooting guard, but he was slowed by injuries throughout the year. His lost his starting job to Courtney Lee, but he finished strong during the playoff run to the Finals.

Barnes was added to provide defense and some additional outside shooting, along with some toughness on the perimeter.

2009-2010 Orlando Magic Power Forwards:

The addition of free agent Brandon Bass gives the Magic great flexibility at the position. They can start with All-Star Rashard Lewis, who is one of the best 3-point shooters in the league, then use Bass, a young banger who can help Howard with interior defense and rebounding against the bigger teams in the league.

They also may experiment with Marcin Gortar at power forward to give him more time than he had last year as the backup to Howard. The Magic were fine much of the season with a smaller, better-shooting lineup, but in the Finals their lack of size was a factor against the Lakers.

Bass, a backup in Dallas last season behind Dirk Nowirzki, might be ready for a starting role. If he is, Lewis will move to small forward and the Magic will be giving opponents a different look this season.

2009-2010 Orlando Magic Centers:

It’s tough to argue with the best center in the league. Dwight Howard is the franchise centerpiece, and the Magic have made it clear to every other player on the team.

He became just the fifth player in history to lead the league in both blocked shots and rebounding. He spent much of the summer working on his offensive game, hoping to become a more complete player as he leads the Magic.

With Howard attracting so much attention around the basket, he makes the game easier for everyone else on the floor. The Magic surprised many observers by keeping backup Marcin Gortar.

Marcin should see his playing time increase slightly, taking some of the load off Howard’s shoulders.

Orlando Magic 2009-2010 Season Predictions

We predict that the Orlando Magic will finish 1st in the NBA Southeast Division .

Orlando Magic Betting

Orlando Magic NBA Championship Odds: +500

Orlando Magic Eastern Conference Odds: +1000

Orlando Magic 2008-2009 Betting Stats

Orlando Magic Straight Up: 59-23

Orlando Magic ATS: 49-32-1

Orlando Magic Home ATS: 23-18

Orlando Magic Away ATS: 26-14-1

Orlando Magic Record As Favorite: 49-17

Orlando Magic Record As Dog: 10-6

Orlando Magic Over/Under: 36-46

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