The Los Angeles Lakers’ Staple Center in downtown Los Angeles will be the opening act for a Lakers dynasty with their 30th visit to the NBA Finals against Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic newcomers. In spite of being newcomers to the Finals many sports fans believe in Magic. Make your NBA picks for tonight’s game at 9pm EST, as the Orlando Magic have a chance to try and beat the favorite L.A. Lakers on what is considered an improbable for game one.

The Los Angeles Lakers come in as a home favorite giving up 6 points to Orlando. Up to now the tendency is to believe so strongly in the Lakers that the general public continues to pour it on the favorite to cover against a team that is coming off from a not so tender polish off of Lebron “King” James’ Cleveland Cavaliers.

The experts have been all quick to chirp in on the ability of the Lakers to win the series in 7 games but then again it becomes split when it comes to formulating an opinion on if they will cover against Orlando. The oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com list the Lakers as a 6-point favorite with a 206 over.

The Magic have an excellent long range shooting game in key players such as Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu and the Cavaliers paid dearly for doubling up on big man Dwight Howard. Allowing the Magic to acquire aim during the game could also be the Lakers trouble but being an all around defensive team as well the Lakers are more probable to cover the open man easier with Lamar Odom and Tevor Ariza. 

Kobe Bryant will be in high demand not only on the defense but his leadership and offense, most likely challenged by rookie Courtney Lee, will be a must for the Lakers to pull away far enough to cover the spread on Thursday. Hopefully the Lakers will rotate well with enough fouls to go around controlling Dwight Howard without sacrificing playmaker Pau Gasol but the big man will have the final say. 

An expected total of 206 seems easy enough to cover over but I would guess the defense will play this game and I would suggest the under with the Lakers covering the six points by a minimal. Make your NBA Playoff picks at Sportsbook.com and enjoy game one of the NBA Finals.