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LA Clippers at Orlando Magic Betting Preview

The LA Clippers look for a second straight win in Florida when they take on the Orlando Magic on Sunday. Los Angeles topped Miami on Friday night, while the Magic have dropped two in a row.

The Clippers picked up a win in their last game, simply shrugging off any and all rumors of a potential locker-room collapse. There was talk of preferential treatment of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, but that is quite clearly not a real issue for this team, as Pat Beverley and Lou Williams both came out and said so publicly through Twitter.

The Clippers have playmakers at most every position, as well as guys who can bury the three. They do still need one more big man who can consistently play power forward, so watch for a deadline move.

Injuries cannot keep the Magic down. No Jonathan Isaac, Al-Farouq Aminu or DJ Augustin? No problem. Orlando is in a similar place as last year, now four games under .500 as the trade deadline is starting to approach.

Everyone on the team has stepped up, and the Magic’s trade for Markelle Fultz last year is clearly paying dividends as he continues to play well and help lead them. Nikola Vucevic is still averaging a double-double, while Terence Ross and Evan Fournier are burying all of the threes.

The Clippers are 4.5-point favorites Sunday, with the over/under set at 218.5.

Looking To Keep Rolling

The Clippers look to gain some ground in the West on their night in Orlando. They may have some trouble with Vucevic when Ivica Zubac is off the floor, but aside from that, this is a favorable matchup. Aaron Gordon is a strong defender but not at his natural position as he starts at small forward, so Leonard will be looking to take advantage of the situation with his quick footwork and release to get buckets.

Landry Shamet made six threes against Miami and will be looking to stay hot, continuing to start in the absence of George.

The Clippers did a great job assembling this team in the offseason, despite the fact they traded their top young guard and years worth of first-round picks to make it happen. The Clippers are going to be a contender for years to come.

Aiming For An Upset

The Magic have really had to switch up the lineup with all of the recent injuries. Khem Birch, naturally a center, has been starting alongside Vucevic. Gordon is playing small forward for the first time since the team had Serge Ibaka several years ago.

The lack of scoring ability of Wes Iwundu has cost him the chance to start, as Steve Clifford is going with what has been working well for him. Fultz is averaging 12 points, four rebounds and five assists in his first full NBA season, along with 1.2 steals per night. His defensive ability is as impressive as his athletic dunks.

Gordon and Vucevic are going to have to carry the Magic Sunday. Both will need to make their shots and get the opposing stars into foul trouble along the way. The Magic are No. 1 in the league in points allowed, so a win would not be the craziest thing.

Clippers Get The W

Orlando will put up a fight, but I like the Clippers to win and cover in this one.

Free Play: LAC -4.5

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