The playoff seedings are starting to take shape, and there are some vitally important games approaching for a number of Eastern Conference teams, including the Orlando Magic.
LA Lakers @ Orlando Magic
The Lakers are the talk of the NBA right now, led by Luka Doncic’s incredible fortnight.
The Lakers have won eight straight games, with Doncic on another level, averaging 40 points per game over that stretch.
The Magic have been playing some good basketball as well. They won seven straight before dropping their last three heading into this matchup, and with Luka in this form, there’s every chance that becomes four.
LEG 1 - Luka Doncic 30+ Points
Ride the heater. Luka Doncic has been on another level over the last two weeks and has put the Lakers firmly into the Western Conference playoff picture.
Doncic is averaging 40.9 points per game across his last eight games and has scored 30+ in all eight. That includes a 60-point game, another 50+, and two more 40+ performances.
Orlando are a strong defensive side, but the way Luka is playing right now, he’s going to be extremely hard to stop.
LEG 2 - LeBron James 6+ Rebounds
LeBron is coming off a 15-rebound game against the Heat and has posted strong rebounding numbers over the last six weeks.
He’s averaging 6.3 rebounds per game across his last 16 games, hitting 6+ in ten of those.
The Magic concede rebounds to power forwards 13% above average over the last month, making this a favourable rebounding matchup.
LEG 3 - Paolo Banchero 20+ Points
Banchero has been excellent since the All Star break, which has coincided with Orlando’s strong form over the last month.
He’s averaging 25.1 points per game across his last 16 games and has scored 20+ in 11 of those, including six of his last eight.
He also dropped 36 points on the Lakers just four weeks ago.
Same Game Multi
Doncic 30+ Points / LeBron 6+ Rebounds / Banchero 20+ Points = $3.50
VALUE BET - Deandre Ayton 10+ Rebounds @ $3.10
I do not recommend betting on Deandre Ayton if you suffer from high blood pressure, so this is definitely just a small play.
Ayton’s rebounding numbers have been down recently, which is why we’re getting such a low line, but it was only four weeks ago that he produced a huge game against Orlando.
Ayton finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds in that matchup, and that was with Luka, Reaves and LeBron all playing. It’s a nice price for double-figure rebounds, but buyer beware.
