The first game in this series surprised some bettors who thought Orlando would cover with their exceptional covering record this season. The Cavaliers looked well balanced on both offense and defense and played a tight defensive game that produced the win for them. Mitchell and Garland lived up to the pressure as the Cavaliers did not take their foot off the pedal. They saw they went out early in last season’s playoffs against the Knicks, and do not want that to happen again. The Cavaliers dominated on the boards and took a lot of second chances away from the Magic who struggled to score all night. The Magic don't match up well offensively in this series against Cleveland. This second game is going to be more of the same. The Magic looked like the young inexperienced team that they are. The Magic will probably play a little better in this second game, as they put the nerves and jitters behind them. However, this second game will be an ugly rock fight again and the Cavaliers will keep the pressure on. Expect this whole series to be a rock fight as Orlando will struggle to get to 100 again in this game. Playing against road underdogs(Orlando) of 3.5 to 9.5 points in their second game of a playoff series works out in favor of the home team 82.8% of the time, or 25-4 against the spread in the last five seasons in the NBA. Orlando are 6-12 against the spread since 1997, in the 2nd game of a playoff series and when trailing in a playoff series, Orlando are 14-23 against the spread since 1997. Cleveland are 13-6 against the spread this season as a home favorite of 6 points or less. Look for Mitchell and Garland to have another good game to give their team a 2-0 lead.

Best bet: lay the points with Cleveland.