Vincent Nguyen, Free Picks Newsletter Editor
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NBA: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Orlando Magic (-1.5)

The Los Angeles Lakers have won four in a row during their East Coast swing this week, and tonight against the Magic they will be trying to make that six. The Magic are a 1.6-point favorite at home, but Orlando’s recent history leads one to believe they are ripe for the picking for Pau Gasol and the Lakers.

The Magic have lost four of seven straight up, and have an even uglier record when it comes to covering the spread over the past few weeks. Prior to the recent wins over the L.A. Clippers, Wizards and the 76ers, Orlando was an a funk. They lost three of four at home, and failed to cover in every one of those games. When it comes to the Lakers, the Magic have covered just once in head to head matchups dating back to 2009.

The Lakers, oddly enough, have a winning records ATS on the road, 15-12, and a losing record at home, 10-17. It seems the tendency to sway the points to the home team is one that fails to deliver for odds makers when Los Angeles is concerned. This week, they have picked up road wins against New Orleans, New York, Boston and Memphis. The Lakers are 9-1 this season against teams from the East. It’s been the kind of road trip that has inspired NBA analysts to put their faith in the Lakers to finish strong and make a deep run in the playoffs.

Look for the Lakers to take care of business in Orlando, and keep their streak alive.

Pick: Take the Los Angeles Lakers (+1.5)