Can Orlando Bounce Back?

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Developing Stories 📰

The Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers are set to recommence their first-round playoff series on Monday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.

The Cavaliers are favored by a 5.5-point spread, with the game total set at 203 points. In their four regular-season matchups, Orlando and Cleveland split victories. The Cavaliers claimed the first game with a score of 97-83. While the over prevailed in three of their regular-season clashes, the under came out on top in Saturday's game.

Orlando is known for its aggressive defense, excelling in forcing turnovers that often lead to fast break points. Their defensive prowess is underscored by their ranking second in opponent turnover percentage and second in points scored off turnovers. Additionally, they show a preference for inside scoring, with nearly 40 percent of their shots aimed at the rim, ranking first in rim attempt percentage.

During the regular season, Orlando averaged 110.5 points per game and shot 47.6 percent from the field, including 35.2 percent from beyond the arc. They also demonstrated proficiency at the free-throw line, converting 75.9 percent of their attempts. Defensively, they allowed 108.4 points per game and held opponents to 47.4 percent shooting. Their defensive prowess is further highlighted by ranking third in defensive rating.

Cleveland, despite facing setbacks due to injuries, showcased resilience in their recent performance, limiting Orlando to 83 points on 32.6 percent shooting in Saturday's game. They dominated in rebounding, boasting a +14 margin, and outscored the Magic in the paint. The question remains whether they can maintain this level of play in Monday's game.

In the regular season, Cleveland averaged 112.6 points per game, shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three-point range. Defensively, they surrendered 110.2 points per game and held opponents to 46.3 percent shooting. They rank seventh in defensive rating.

As the series continues, both teams aim to capitalize on their strengths and address areas of improvement to secure a victory in Monday's matchup.

Headlines 🚨

On This Day in Sport History: 1876 First official National baseball game is played, Boston Red Caps beat the Philadelphia Athletics 6-5.

1914 Babe Ruths 1st professional game as a pitcher is a 6 hit 6-0 win.

1966 The Atlanta Braves win their 1st game beating the Mets 8-4.

Bengals DE Sam Hubbard had ankle surgery and will recover before the start of the season.

Scottie Scheffler wins at RBC Heritage to continue his dominant run thon.

Nelly Korda won the Chevron Open tied with the LPGA record 5th consecutive win.

Tyrese Maxey is questionable for tonight’s game 2 due to illness.

Zaccharie Risacher the projected No.1 pick has declared for the NBA draft for 2024.

Shohei Ohtani breaks the mark for most homeruns by a Japanese-born player.

Colorado lands former Pitt TE Dayon Hayes in the transfer portal.🏀 

Public Money 🤑 via VSiN at 9AMCT

🏀 NBA

34% of bets and 64% of money is on UNDER 205 ORL at CLE

⚾️ MLB

38% of bets and 70% of money is on OVER 9.5 TOR at KC

28% of bets and 55% of money is on TOR -1.5 (+135)

15% of bets and 35% of money is on CWS +170

43% of bets and 75% of money is on ARI -1.5 (+155)

30% of bets and 67% of money is on OVER 10.5 SD at COL

🏒 NHL

13% of bets and 42% of money is on NYI +200

35% of bets and 76% of money is on DAL -1.5 (+180)

Future Odds 🔮 via Bovada Sportsbook

Picks 🔒

Magic +5.5 | Orlando has what it takes to win outright if it can limit the Cavs' three-point shooters and hold its own in the rebounding department.

Royals -105 | KC is 16th in batting average and 7th in slugging percentage, while Toronto is 20th in batting average and 21st in slugging percentage. Kansas City is 10th in runs scored, and Toronto is only 21st. Kansas City is 9-3 at home while Toronto is just 6-6 on the road.

4/23

Mavericks -2.5