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New Orleans Hornets (32-22) @ Orlando Magic (34-20)

Time: 7:00 pm EST

Point Spread: Orlando Magic -9

Over/Under Line: 189.5

Expert Predictions: Available here!

Preview: The Orlando Magic will take on the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

The Magic come in with a 34-20 second, good enough for second place in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. Both the Magic and the Atlanta Hawks are five games back of the first place Heat. The Magic are coming off a four point win on the road in Philadelphia on Wednesday. The win was their second straight. Orlando is seeing Dwight Howard pour in 22.5 points and rip down 13.8 rebounds per game. The Magic as a team rank 11th in the NBA, scoring just over 100 points per game, while the defense is allowing 94.5 points per game. The Magic have been pretty good in home games this season. When playing on their home court, Orlando has won 19 of 26. Also, Orlando is 11-9 when playing against teams from the Western Conference.

The New Orleans Hornets come into the game with a 32-22 overall record. New Orleans is in third place in the Southeast Division. The Hornets have lost four straight games and fallen to 13 games behind the San Antonio Spurs. Chris Paul leads the team in assists with 9.8 per game, while David West is scoring nearly 20 points. New Orleans has struggled on the road this season. When playing in road games, the Hornets have went just 12-15. The Hornets when playing against the Eastern Conference have won 16 of 22 games.

My Betting Predictions: The home team will prevail. Dwight Howard will be too much of a beast in the paint for New Orleans. Magic win 95-91.