Orlando Magic @ Miami Heat Thursday ESPN NBA Free Pick

Orlando Magic @ Miami Heat Thursday ESPN NBA Free Pick: Miami hosts two major contenders in the Eastern Conference late in the week, the Orlando Magic first on Thursday Night, then the Chicago Bulls on Sunday Morning. I don’t know what to think about the Magic yet – as far as being a top-notch team back East, an actual title contender, but I know the Heat can’t get close to guarding Dwight Howard, and neither can the Celtics with Kendrick Perkins traded away to the Zombie Sonics (that’s from Bill Simmons, but it’s great enough to just go ahead and use). And if Brandon Bass plays healthy, the low post defense in Miami will really be tested.

Orlando is coming of a big win over the New York Knicks, something the Heat just couldn’t manage to do despite all their chances last Sunday. Add the Knicks up as just one more “good team” that stung the Heat, something that’s becoming a trend as the season rolls on. Orlando’s won 3 in a row, and 5 of their last 6 – including wins over Oklahoma City and the LA Lakers. Could they be finding consistency with their updated lineup?

I know Dwight has been playing some of the best basketball in his career – becoming a real force on the offensive end. But Miami is 2-1 against the Magic this season, including a 104-100 win in early February. This is the only “good” team that Miami has a winning record against. So will that disappear or is this the team they can handle?

I think Jameer Nelson is player too well of late. He’s been so efficient, and the clutch player this team needs when things are going south. Match that with Miami’s inability to slow opposing point guards, and I have to give the nod to the road team from Florida in this one.

Orlando Magic (+4.5) @ Miami Heat (ESPN) (3/3)