The first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs continues Monday with Game 2 between the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland took the opening contest 97-83 to grab a 1-0 lead in the series behind a 30-point showing from Donovan Mitchell. The Magic will look to improve offensively after managing to shoot just 32.6% from the floor in Game 1, and they’ll also hope to be better at the line after missing 11 free throws in the series opener.
Orlando remains clean on the injury front. The Cavaliers will still be without Ty Jerome, Craig Porter Jr. and Dean Wade.
The Cavaliers are 5.5-point favorites according to DraftKings Sportsbook with the total set at 203. Cleveland is -218 on the moneyline while Orlando is +180.
Magic vs. Cavaliers, 7 p.m. ET
Pick ATS: Magic +5.5
Game 1s tend to be more lopsided than Game 2s, since the opponent can make adjustments based on how the first contest went. Orlando would’ve been in the game if it had made free throws, so some of that could be chalked up to playoff nerves. The Magic were 21-14 ATS after a loss during the regular season, while the Cavaliers were 20-28 ATS after a win.
While I do think Cleveland’s defense continues to be an issue for Orlando, the Magic are unlikely to shoot as poorly as they did in Game 1 again. However, they will need more from the likes of Gary Harris, Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony to support Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The Cavaliers have the superior starting lineup and the best player on the floor in Mitchell but I think Orlando keeps it close enough to cover at this line.
Over/Under: Over 203
Both these squads trended to the under during the regular season, and hit the under in Game 1. Just as Orlando didn’t shoot well from the floor, Cleveland wasn’t particularly great from behind the arc. Even if the percentages remain somewhat low, they’re unlikely to be as low as they were in Game 1. I do see both sides playing a bit better offensively in Game 2, leading to the over hitting on this low total.