The Orlando Magic reached the NBA Finals in 2009 and the Eastern Conference Finals last year and they are considered a threat next season as they are 7-1 to win the NBA title. The Magic extended the contracts of head coach Stan Van Gundy and general manager Otis Smith. That should mean that the Magic are contenders vs. the Internet bookmaker odds next season.
Bookmaker odds will favor Orlando a lot in 2010-2011. The Magic have been a very good team with Van Gundy as head coach. He gets his share of criticism but there is no doubting the success of the Magic under his tenure. The Magic will get challenged next season by the new look Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics and maybe even the Chicago Bulls, but Orlando returns virtually everyone from last season. They will have the same basic offense and defense since Van Gundy is returning.
Orlando is an interesting team to follow in NBA betting. They have a great center in Dwight Howard and a lot of good shooters. In fact, the Magic have a number of players who can shoot from three-point range. Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter and J.J. Redick are all solid three-point shooters.
The Magic won 59 games during the regular season and they were the top seed in the Eastern Conference. They were also profitable against the point spread. Orlando was 46-34-2 vs. the NBA odds last season. The Magic were 24-16-1 at home vs. the number and 22-18-1 on the road. Dwight Howard led the team in scoring last season at 18.3 points per game. He also led them in rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage. Jason Williams led the team in assists per game.
Orlando was 6th in the NBA last season at 102.8 points per game. The Magic were the third best three-point shooting team in the league. Orlando was also very good on defense as they ranked fourth in the league in fewest points per game. They were number one in field goal percentage defense. With Van Gundy as their head coach, that defense should be excellent again next season. It also helps when you have one of the best defensive players in the league in Dwight Howard.