NBA Playoffs: Cavaliers vs Magic Game 6 Odds Preview
Magic Are Officially On The Brink
For the first time in the first-round playoff series between the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers, Tuesday’s Game 5 was a close one that went right down to the wire. Ultimately, the home team Cavaliers wound up with a 104-103 win to take a 3-2 series lead as play shifts down to Orlando for Friday’s Game 6. So far, the home team has won every game and the Magic will hope to continue that trend at least for one more night. The Cavaliers vs Magic betting lines agree and have Orlando favored by four points and as -170 moneyline favorites. The over/under is 200.5 points.
Cleveland got out to a quick start, using a flurry at the end of the first quarter to build a 10-point lead. But, the Magic just kept hanging around and an 8-0 run to close out the first half made it a one-point game at the break. It was back-and-forth the rest of the way until the Cavaliers regained the lead for good with an Evan Mobley with 1:43 left to play. Orlando had a chance to tie, but Mobley blocked a Franz Wagner layup attempt, and the Cavaliers held on. It was just one of a few really tight NBA scores on Tuesday.
Now, Orlando is officially in must-win territory. The Magic played well enough to win, but their offense went quiet far too often down the stretch, and, outside of Paolo Banchero, Orlando’s starting lineup just didn’t do enough to win a playoff game against a very good defensive opponent. Guys like Jalen Suggs and Wagner need to step up in an elimination game setting.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Orlando Magic 
Records: Cleveland Cavaliers (3-2) at Orlando Magic (2-3)
Location: Kia Center; Orlando, Florida
Day/Time:
Streaming: TBD
Turnovers Played A Big Role
Orlando’s assist-to-turnover ratio was a mediocre 17-to-14 on Tuesday compared to Cleveland’s 23-to-10. As a result, the Cavaliers took 10 more field goal attempts than the Magic did, which, even with Orlando’s 10 free throw attempt advantage, made a major difference in a one-point game. The Magic need to be more careful with the ball—Banchero alone had five turnovers—and need to get more easy offense going through ball movement if they want to live up to their Cavaliers vs. Magic betting advantage.
The Magic had 24 assists in each of their Game 3 and Game 4 wins when they scored 121 points and 112 points, respectively. As an NBA team that doesn’t have much outside shooting or playmaking (other than Banchero and Wagner), Orlando relies on getting high-percentage looks at the rim. When going up against a strong defensive team with a lot of length, those looks aren’t easy to come by, especially with the recent NBA trends of very low-scoring playoff games.
It’s also a little concerning that the Magic couldn’t take advantage of Jarrett Allen‘s absence. The Cavaliers’ big man—and dominant interior defender—was out with a bruised rib. He makes it very difficult for opposing teams to score at the rim, and while Orlando did shoot 46% from the field, the Magic couldn’t get enough big baskets down the stretch.
Jarrett Allen’s Status Is Key
Before Game 5, Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said that Allen was day-to-day with his injury so his status for Game 6 isn’t known just yet. But, it certainly makes sense that the Cavaliers vs Magic betting odds are favoring Orlando if there is even a chance that Allen won’t be able to go. He has been awesome in this series, averaging 17 points and 13.8 rebounds per game, and Cleveland’s defense is much more vulnerable when he isn’t on the floor.
Beyond the NBA stats, his presence is felt just by him being in the game. Teams are much more hesitant to go toward the basket and even if they do challenge him, he can alter shots without even officially blocking them. It’s good for Cleveland that Game 6 is Friday night so Allen has a few more days to rest but the severity of his rib bruise isn’t known. The Cavaliers could even play it safe for a Game 7 and hold him out until then. Either way, be sure to scour the injury reports in the lead-up to Friday to ensure he is or isn’t in the lineup.
Look For Cleveland To Finish Things Out
Four points is a sizable spread for a team facing elimination, even at home in a series where the home teams are undefeated. So, it might be a smart move to take the points and bet on the Cavaliers to at least cover the spread or, if you’re feeling riskier, take them straight-up as a +148 moneyline underdog. They showed they can win without Allen and could benefit from facing a young Magic team demoralized by such a crushing last-minute loss.
Also, go with the under on the 200.5-point total. The last few games in this series have hovered right around that point total and, with the high stakes of an (potential) elimination Game 6, the defensive intensity should be even higher. The under is -110.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Orlando Magic Odds
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