Prop Bet of the Day: A Magic 8-ball in Orlando

Looking to scratch an action itch? You bet we got you covered. Every day our ravenous bettors scour the web for their favorite player props to boost the bankroll. Today’s featured line comes from ‘The Big Noise’ himself, Brad Evans.

Orlando Magic to secure No. 8 seed in the East (+225, DraftKings) 

The NBA finally presses the “restart” button Thursday as the coronavirus-free bubble has worked thus far. Though Lou Williams nearly jeopardized Adam Silver’s wonderful experiment for some strip club wings, the odds the Association crowns a champion without disruption appears very promising. Orlando, with eight games to secure a position in the Eastern Conference bracket, could wave a wand. Will it land on the No. 8 line? Here’s why I’m betting yes: 

• Yes, when it comes to ball-in-basket, the Magic offers about as much excitement as listening to an extensive online dissertation on the mating habits of African dwarf frogs. Offensively, they rank No. 22 in scoring efficiency, the second-worst team inside the bubble. Still, Nikola Vucevic — who averages a double-double per game — Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon and Markelle Fultz comprise a respectable starting five. Terrence Ross, a spark plug off the bench, was on fire in the 10 games before the shutdown shooting over 50% from distance while averaging 22.2 points per game. If he can resurface his hot hand from cold storage, it would be the much-needed scoring jolt Orlando seeks. 
• Staunch defense is Orlando’s calling card. Whether along the perimeter or in the post, they make the opposition work for buckets. It’s why they surrendered just 1.058 points per position, the ninth-lowest output in the league. Continue to clamp down and they should remain highly competitive over their remaining eight-game slate. 

Bottom line, with two matchups against Brooklyn’s patchwork roster of vagabonds, Orlando possesses the upper hand and the inside track on the No. 7 seed. However, additional tilts against Sacramento, Indiana, Philly, Toronto, Boston and white-hot New Orleans arrow to the possibility the Magic land on the No. 8 line. Betting on the ragtag Nets to keep pace may be akin to walking a tightrope across a canyon in a hailstorm, but the plus odds on the Magic are attractive.