Through two games, the Orlando Magic couldn’t generate any kind of effective offense against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who throttled their attack and dominated them in turn.
In Game 3, the Magic flipped the script and the prevailing NBA odds on their head, scoring 121 points and handing the Cavaliers their worst loss in franchise playoff history.
My NBA picks and Cavaliers vs. Magic predictions for April 27 believe that rather than resetting the series, Thursday’s contest will ultimately prove an anomaly.
Cavaliers vs Magic predictions
My best bet
Cavaliers moneyline (+115 at bet365)
My analysis
After two of the most lopsided victories in any series so far — if not in final score then in practical dominance — the Orlando Magic punched back in Game 3, routing the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The first few minutes of Game 3 played out a familiar script as the Magic missed their first eight shots. This time, however, they went on to shoot 56% from the field the rest of the way, dominate the glass, and cover their -3 line by a whopping 35 points.
So, what happened? And is it likely to sustain?
The Magic went back to the lineup they’d started for most of the year by moving Wendell Carter Jr. into the starting unit and placing Jonathan Isaac back on the bench. While that had some knock-on effects with the second unit synergy between Isaac and Mo Wagner, it wasn’t the reason the game fared so much better for Orlando.
This game was about two things: Orlando’s psychological edge and shooting variance. As one would expect, the Magic came out the hungrier team down 0-2 and played in front of their home crowd. However, they also shot 16-of-24 from midrange. That’s generating 1.5 points per shot attempt — better than the average corner three — from the least efficient shot in basketball there is.
In no way is this a sustainable formula. Orlando still has incredibly poor spacing for a playoff team, and Cleveland remains effective at bottling up the Magic's drives.
The Cavaliers boast a far superior two-way formula, with perimeter players that not only force opponents to guard them, but can win the game with their shooting and playmaking, and bigs that have proven more than capable of going toe to toe with Orlando’s.
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Cavaliers vs Magic same-game parlay (SGP)
Cavaliers moneyline
Magic team total Under 101.5
Franz Wagner Under 19.5 points
Despite the lopsided victory, the Cavs still held Franz Wagner in check. Wagner finished with 16 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the field, and his inability to threaten an outside shot is a big reason for the Magic’s spacing woes.
Wager went 1-for-5 from downtown in Game 3, and the Cavaliers are daring him to shoot and selling out completely to crowd the paint. If the German forward couldn’t find enough seams to get at least 19 points when the rest of the team’s shots were falling, I’m doubtful he will do it tonight.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cavaliers vs Magic odds
Cavaliers vs Magic live odds
Get the latest Cavaliers vs Magic NBA playoff odds for Game 4.
Cavaliers vs Magic opening odds
- Spread: Cleveland +2.5 (-115) | Orlando -2.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: Cleveland +110 | Orlando -125
- Over/Under: Over 201.5 (-110) | Under 201.5 (-110)
Cavaliers vs Magic spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Magic opened between -2 and -2.5 point favorites over Cleveland.
- The Cavaliers are 22-12 straight up after a loss this season.
- The total for Game 4 opened at 201.5 and has risen as high as 202.5 at some sportsbooks.
- The Under is 25-16 in Orlando's home games.
Cavaliers vs Magic trend
The Cavaliers are 22-12 straight up after a loss this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Magic.
Cavaliers vs Magic game info
| Location: | Kia Center, Orlando, FL |
| Date: | Saturday, 4-27-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TNT |
Cavaliers vs Magic latest injuries
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