It's put up or shut up time for the Orlando Magic as their best-of-seven series heads to the Kia Center for Game 3 with the team trailing 2-0 to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Let's put together a same-game parlay and win some money.
Series Preview: Cavaliers vs. Magic Betting Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic Game 3
Matchup Page: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic, 7 p.m. ET
| Bet | Odds |
|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers ML | +116 |
| Donovan Mitchell 3+ Made 3-Pointers | -220 |
| Moritz Wagner OVER 9.5 Points | -120 |
| Overall | +420 |
Same-Game Parlay Pick No. 1: Cleveland Cavaliers ML
Some home cooking may be just what the doctor ordered for the Magic's anemic offense, which currently ranks last amongst all 16 teams this postseason at just 88.5 points per 100 possessions. That's 10.4 points worse than the 15th-ranked New Orleans Pelicans.
Their execution offensively through two games has been abysmal, with some credit falling on Cleveland's defense keeping everyone not named Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner at bay. The Cavaliers' scoring attack is barely averaging over 100 points per 100 possessions themselves (101, to be exact), but there's more diversity and top-tier depth at their disposal as opposed to Orlando's relying heavily on two players while the rest of the team struggles.
Cleveland entering as a slight underdog stems from road teams having picked up just three victories thus far this postseason, although all three have come in the last 48 hours. Until the Magic prove they can put some points on the board, with the early returns being incredibly lousy in that department, continue to trust the Cavaliers to have a vice grip on this series.
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Same-Game Parlay Pick No. 2: Donovan Mitchell 3+ Made 3-Pointers
The appeal of player props grows exponentially when said talent accumulates a ton of minutes. You don't need to know calculus and algebra to determine that more playing time equates to more opportunities to fill out a box score.
Take Donovan Mitchell, who's averaging 36.1 minutes (up from 35.3) while attempting 21.5 shots (up from 19.8) through two games against the Magic. He's contributing 10 more points per game than any of his teammates, and is the safest play for offensive-oriented player props with a usage rate of 31.4.
The All-Star guard drilled three 3-pointers in Game 1, but just two in Game 2 on 10 attempts. Eight misses from deep didn't deter Mitchell from continuing to hoist up perimeter shots on Monday, though, because shooters shoot until they can't any longer. He connected on three or more against the Magic twice during the regular season, which bodes well for his chances on Thursday.
Same-Game Parlay Pick No. 3: Moritz Wagner OVER 9.5 Points
Reserves tend to play better and more efficiently on their home floor, which isn't to say Moritz Wagner underdelivered at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Simply put, Orlando's second unit as a whole was saved by Wagner as the likes of Cole Anthony and Joe Ingles have yet to make their presence felt.
The older Wagner brother is averaging 11 points on 56.3 percent shooting in just 16.3 minutes in this series, serving as one of four Magic players averaging double-digit scoring despite playing nearly half as many minutes as the starters.
Orlando's frontcourt has a great deal to contend with opposite Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, so it's crucial for Wagner to contribute to spot Banchero and his brother minutes. He's toppled the 9.5-point mark twice already, and should be more inclined to do so again at home.
