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Pro Pick From
Stephen Nover

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(At current odds)

2024-04-22T23:05:00.000Z 2024-04-22T23:05:00.000Z - NBA

501 Orlando Magic
vs.
502 Cleveland Cavaliers

Date

Sport/Type

Pick

Score

Odds

Size

W/L

$

04/22/2024

NBA Totals

OV ORL/CLE

86-96

202½

3

L

-330

Analysis
Having had the Under in Game 1 this past Saturday, I wasn't surprised when only 180 points were produced in the Cavaliers', 97-83, home victory against the Magic. 

But now with a downward adjustment of nearly six points on the total, I'm going Over in Monday's Game 2 meeting between these teams. 

Before Saturday's Game 1, the team's hadn't played in nearly a week. It was an unusual early start time, too. The Magic were tight competing in their first playoff action since 2020. 

None of those factors will be in play for the Under in this game. It's a normal evening start. Both teams should have the rust off and Orlando won't be so nervous. 

I understand both teams are excellent defensively. But the outside looks were there for Orlando with the Cavaliers packing the inside. Not only did the Magic miss 29 of 37 shots from 3-point range, but they also only made 63 percent of their free throws going 19-for-30. Cleveland didn't shoot well either from 3-point range, missing 22 of 30 from beyond the arc.

Orlando had scored 113 or more points in five of its last seven previous games. Cleveland averaged 116.7 points in its past four games before this matchup. 

Yes, this is playoff basketball. The defensive intensity is magnified. But I expect the team's to shoot much better than a combined 16-for-67 (23.8 percent) from 3-point range especially with stud scorers Donovan Mitchell and Paolo Banchero. 

(Editor's note: For purchasing Stephen Nover's Triple Star NBA Total of the Week, you receive 30 percent off any of Stephen's Tuesday picks and packages. Check your shopping cart for your 30 percent discount, available to use by Monday evening.) 
Pick Creation Time:
04/21/2024 10:22 PM
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