Orlando Magic (41-24) @ Golden State Warriors (28-36)
Time: 10:30 pm EST
Preview: The Orlando Magic will head out west and take on the Golden State Warriors. Orlando has won seven of their last ten games to move 3.5 games ahead of Atlanta for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. If the standings remain this way the Magic would host Atlanta in the first round.
The Magic are 17-13 when playing on the road this season, and when playing teams from the Western Conference, Orlando has won 14 of 26 games. Dwight Howard leads the Magic with 23 points per game, and just shy of 14 rebounds per game. The Magic are sixth in rebounding with 43 boards per game, and also the fifth best defensive team, as they are allowing 94.2 points per game.
The Warriors come into the game eight games below .500. The Warriors would love to get to .500 by the season end. Last season, Golden State won just 26 games, and the year before 29.
Monta Ellis leads the Warriors in scoring with 24.8 points per game, while big man David Lee is grabbing just shy of 10 rebounds per game. The Warriors are scoring just under 103 points per game as a team.
Prediction for this game and best place to bet for Canadians and US bettors: Orlando will have a tough time against the very athletic Golden State team. Look for the Warriors to come away with a win in this one. Golden State 108-99.