Update: Both Allen and Harris have been ruled out. There’s been no movement on the lines with this injury news so I’m sticking with Orlando as the ATS pick and the over on the total.
Game 6 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic will take place Friday evening, with the home team trying to force a Game 7 in the series while the road team tries to advance to the second round. The first four games in the series were blowouts but Game 5 was a just one-point win for Cleveland.
Jarrett Allen missed Game 5 for the Cavaliers, and he’s listed as questionable due to a ribs injury. Cleveland is still without Dean Wade, Craig Porter Jr. and Ty Jerome. For the Magic, Gary Harris is questionable with a hamstring strain.
The Magic are 4-point favorites according to DraftKings Sportsbook, with a total set at 200. Orlando is -170 on the moneyline while Cleveland is +142.
Cavaliers vs. Magic, 7 p.m. ET
Pick ATS: Magic -4
Allen’s absence in Game 5 was an important factor in the contest, which was the lone close game in this series. The big man could potentially return but the Cavaliers have struggled away from home this season. They went 22-19 straight up on the road in the regular season but lost both road games in this series by huge margins. The Magic went 29-12 straight up as the home team and are 21-6 ATS as the home favorite.
This line could close depending on Allen’s status, especially since he’s been great in this matchup. This young Magic team has grown up quickly, especially with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner stepping up as budding stars. Although the Cavaliers have the experience, I think Orlando steps up at home and forces Game 7.
Over/Under: Over 200
The last three games in this series have all gone over this line, even though two have been blowouts in Orlando’s favor. The Magic role players are likely to perform better at home, as they’ve done in this matchup. That makes me lean towards the over, especially on a lower total. Even a late flurry of baskets is enough to get this game over 200.