Dallas Hosts Orlando Thursday in a Potential NBA Championship Preview

On Thursday night, the Dallas Mavericks will host the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Center, in Dallas, Texas. For fans of basketball betting, the matchup pits the number one team in the Southeast against the number one team in the Southwest, and is expected to be a tough test for the road-weary Magic, who have been struggling with injuries as of late. Could Thursday’s game be a preview of our 2010 NBA Championship?

The good news for the Magic, is that SF Mickael Pietrus is expected to be back in the lineup. Pietrus missed the last two games for Orlando, after spraining his left ankle in a game against the Atlanta Hawks last Wednesday. Stan Van Gundy, head coach for the Magic, indicated to reporters that Pietrus will be back, and is healthy to play the Mavericks.

Vince Carter, veteran SG for Orlando, has also indicated he is hopeful for a return against the Mavericks. Carter jammed the big toe on his right foot on Sunday, while playing against the Denver Nuggets. The injury forced Carter from the game after just one and a half minutes. Carter told reporters that the toe is still bothering him, but that he would “try to make an appearance” against the formidable Mavericks.

Carter has plenty of motivation to play for his team on Thursday. Fans of NBA betting know that the Mavs present a tough matchup for Orlando, a team looking more and more road-weary and banged up. It is unknown whether or not PG Anthony Johnson, who was out of practice earlier this week with flu-like symptoms will be in the lineup. Point guards Jason Williams and Jameer Nelson are also question marks, with foot and thumb injuries, respectively. Orlando’s age is starting to show – three of their starters are more than 30 years old. Williams and Johnson off the bench are also in their mid-thirties. With the rest of the season hanging in the balance, coach Van Gundy doesn’t believe his more aged players will be getting any more rest than usual.

The Mavericks, for their part, will look to capitalize on the Magic’s perhaps fragile state. In fact, even a 100% healthy Orlando team could still have a great deal of trouble with the surging Mavericks.

In looking at NBA odds, Dallas has what it takes to win the championship this season. They can beat the dynamic Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. They can also beat the sportsbook favorites from the Eastern Conference, notably the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers – and yes, possibly the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals. Will we see a potential championship preview on Thursday night? Regardless of how the playoffs actually unfold, the Magic will have to be on their game and not give up an inch to Dallas.