Los Angeles Lakers vs Orlando Magic Prediction: Crucial one for the Lakers

The NBA Regular Season is dashing toward the final stages and in less than a month, the Postseason will arrive. During the current window, the top-six spots for the Playoffs and the four spots for the Play-in tournament are at stake. Two Postseason aspirants, the Portland Trail Blazers are going to take on the Los Angeles Clippers.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers come into this game after a heartbreaking loss against the Mavericks, losing 110:111 as Maxi Kleber buried a late three to bury the Lakers. Anthony Davis had another strong game, collecting 26 points. The Lakers have now lost two close games and three of their last four games. The last loss will hurt them a lot because they were in a great position to win. However, they still have a chance to nab a Play-in spot but now each game becomes more and more important. LeBron may return soon but again, the role players will have to be more consistent. 

Orlando Magic

The Magic enters the affair after defeating the Clippers 113:108 as Markelle Fultz scooped up 28 points. They have two wins in the last four games but in an extended window, they have five losses in seven games. The young Magic team hasn’t registered a winning record all season long but they have had a memorable season for making it close many times. A record of 29 wins and 42 losses isn’t exactly terrible for a team that fields multiple sophomores, rookies, and inexperienced players. If they bolster their defense and get a strong off-guard/point-guard, they can push for the Postseason next season.

Injuries

• Lakers: OUT: Mo Bamba, LeBron James. PROBABLE: Anthony Davis;
• Magic: OUT: Jonathan Isaac. Game-Time Decision: Jalen Suggs.

Expert Betting Tips

The Lakers have been a formidable team and despite some recent losses, they haven’t looked like the same unit before the All-Star break. The Magic has had some success and has exceeded expectations a bit so this is not a match-up to take lightly. However, I’d back the duo of Russell and Davis to wreak havoc here and get a comfortable win. I predict a scoreline of 126:117 in the Lakers’ favor.