Cavaliers vs. Magic: Betting Picks and Prediction for Game 6

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After their thrilling 104-103 victory in Game 5, the Cleveland Cavaliers have a 3-2 lead over the Orlando Magic.

The Cavaliers now have -430 odds to win the series and +2000 odds to win the Eastern Conference, according to the NBA odds on FanDuel Sportsbook.

The Magic are +320 to win the series and +8500 to win the East.

With the series shifting back to the Kia Center in Orlando for Game 6, let's take a look at the odds and break down tonight's matchup.

All NBA odds come from FanDuel Sportsbook and may change after this article is published.

NBA Playoffs Betting

Cavaliers-Magic Betting Odds

Date and Time: Friday, May 3rd, 7:00 p.m. ET

Spread: Magic -3.5 (-114)

Total: 200.5

Moneyline:

Cavaliers: +142
Magic: -168

Cavaliers vs. Magic Advanced Stats Breakdown

nERD via numberFire. Adjusted offensive/defensive ratings and pace via DunksAndThrees.

Cavaliers:
- nERD: 58.8 (10th)
- Adjusted Offensive Rating: 114.6 (18th)
- Adjusted Defensive Rating: 112.6 (7th)
- Pace: 97.5 (24th)
- Against-the-Spread Record: 39-42-1
Magic:
- nERD: 57.0 (13th)
- Adjusted Offensive Rating: 112.7 (22nd)
- Adjusted Defensive Rating: 111.2 (3rd)
- Pace: 97.2 (26th)
- Against-the-Spread Record: 51-31

Cavaliers vs. Magic Best Bet

Magic -3.5 (-114)

This series between Cleveland and Orlando has been a strange one. The Cavaliers dominated the first two games, and Orlando was searching for answers after two horrendous offensive performances.

Back at home in Games 3 and 4, they found those answers and then some -- winning by 38 points and 23 points. At home, the Magic shot 53.3% from the field and 39.7% from behind the arc. Their 116.5 home points per game in the postseason ranks second among playoff teams, behind only the Indiana Pacers. Given the strength of Cleveland's defense, it's an impressive mark.

The Magic carried that momentum on the road in Game 5, which they lost by one point. Their shooting regressed slightly -- 46.2% from the field and 29.0% from three -- but the Game-5 performance was a drastic improvement from their first two road games to begin the series.

Now, heading back home for Game 6, I like them to cover the 3.5-point spread. Even with Jarrett Allen available in Games 3 and 4, Cleveland's bench posted a plus/minus of -11.2. Allen missed Game 5, and the Cavaliers were outrebounded at home for the first time in the series. Allen is listed as questionable -- if he remains out, it will likely mean more minutes for Isaac Okoro, who registered a plus/minus of -10 in his 23 minutes in Game 5.

The Magic's success at home is a continuation of what they did in the regular season. Their 29-12 record at home was sixth-best, and their +7.6 plus/minus was fifth-best. Their road plus/minus (-3.5) ranked 20th, and their 18-23 road record ranked 19th. At home, Orlando allowed the second-fewest points per game in the regular season (105.0) -- on the road, that number rose to 111.9, eighth-fewest.

The Magic's poor performances in Games 1 and 2 put them in a hole, but what we've seen from them since is more in line with what they showed during the regular season. They covered the 5.0-point spread as underdogs in Game 5, and with Orlando's season on the line in Game 6, I like them to continue their momentum and cover the spread tonight to force a Game 7.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.