The Magic have won 3 games in a row and are starting to look like the beasts of the East we all thought they could be, but on the other side of the ball, the Detroit Pistons have pretty much started the season the way most analysts predicted them to start with a 6-11 record and a 2-7 record on the road. The problem with the Magic so far this season have been covering the hefty spreads Vegas has set out for them night in and night out; especially against the lower half of the Eastern Conference at home. Tonight is absolutely no different, they are 11 point favorites at home, playing a Pistons team who has lost 3 straight road games and will struggle to defend the best Center in the league in Dwight Howard.
Statistically over the past few years, the Pistons have done a pretty good job covering the spread while playing in Orlando, going 13-5 in their last 18 meetings versus the Magic. The issue for Orlando has been simply covering spreads versus the Eastern Conference, because they have gone 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games versus the East. My lean on this game has to go with the Orlando Magic minus the points because of the advantage in field goal percentage, points per game and rebounding they hold over an overachieving 6-win Pistons.
Injuries:
Orlando Magic-
Vince Carter: Probable, Knee- Sustained injury 11/22 vs. Spurs, has not played since
Daniel Orton: Out, Knee- Surgery, will not play anytime soon
Detroit Pistons-
Terrico White: Out, Foot- Injured during Preseason, will not play
Jonas Jerebko: Out, Achilles- Injured during Preseason, out 5-6 months
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