After losing the series opener to the Orlando Magic, the Toronto Raptors have responded in a huge way. Toronto has won two straight games to take a 2-1 series lead and can take a commanding lead in the series with a win in Game 4. The Magic know that this is a must-win game for them if they have any real chance of winning the series.
The Magic and Raptors were in a tight battle in Game 3 of the series, but Toronto was able to come away with a 98-93 victory. Neither team has been able to find their offense in this series, but the defenses have a lot to do with that. The Magic hope to use their home crowd to inspire them to another upset victory over the Toronto Raptors. Toronto is a -5.5 point favorite in Game 4 of the series.
Magic Defense Keeping it Close
The Orlando Magic are not a very explosive offensive team, but their defense has kept them in every game in this series. The Magic were a top-five defensive team during the regular season and have been just as good so far in this series. Orlando has held the Raptors to just 34 percent shooting from the three-point line and is also averaging 6.3 steals per game. If the Magic are able to win Game 4, it will be with their defense.
Center Nikola Vucevic was an All-Star selection this season, but he hasn’t looked like it so far in this series. Vucevic is averaging just 13.0 points so far in this series, and the Raptors are throwing plenty of defenders his direction. Shooting guard Terrence Ross leads the team with 16.3 points per game and has been the best shooting option for the Magic. Orlando needs both Vucevic and Ross to be great in Game 4 of the series.
Siakam Stars in Game 3
The Toronto Raptors have plenty of star power, but it was an unknown player who was the star in Game 3. Power forward Pascal Siakam came through with 30 points and 11 rebounds in Game 3 and carried his team to a 2-1 series lead. Siakam was able to get to the rim anytime that he wanted to and took plenty of pressure off of his other teammates. The Raptors averaged 114.4 points per game during the regular season, and their depth was a big reason why.
Toronto was also a top-10 team during the regular season, and their defense has been phenomenal so far in the first three games. The Raptors are holding the Magic to just 38 percent field goal shooting and are forcing more than eight steals per night. If Toronto continues to play this well on the defensive end of the floor, the Magic are in big trouble.
Toronto Wins Game Four
The Toronto Raptors have yet to put a complete game together despite being up in the series, but it is coming in this game. The Raptors are clearly the better team in this series, and they are going to get their second straight road win. Orlando has had a terrific season so far, but their season is close to coming to an end. Bet the Toronto Raptors -5.5 over the Orlando Magic in Game 4 of the series.
