Basketball 
/ Nick Shiambouros / 04 March 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Could DeMar DeRozan be the difference between the two teams at the O2 Arena?
"I think the Raptors have an excellent chance of winning both games. They are playing with a lot more enthusiasm that New Jersey which could be the deciding factor in both games."
Two struggling NBA teams play a weekend double at the O2 Arena and the underdog could win both, says Nick Shiambouros
The Orlando Magic beat the Miami Heat 99-96 in an epic encounter at the American Airlines Arena on Thursday evening. The Magic trailed by an incredible 24 points in the third quarter but went on a 40-9 run to secure a historic victory. This was the second largest comeback in Orlando franchise history and will be remembered for many years to come.
Jason Richardson was the leading scorer for Orlando with 24 points and was the most effective player on the floor.
This was a tough loss for Miami who have now fallen two games behind Boston in the Eastern Conference.
Over in the Western Conference the Denver Nuggets beat the Utah Jazz 103-101 in a very entertaining affair late on Thursday. The Nuggets have adjusted quickly to life without superstar guard Carmelo Anthony who was traded to New York last month. This was their third win in a row and they are playing some decent basketball.
Things have not worked out so well for Utah who have lost four out of five since they traded point guard Deron Williams to New Jersey. This team is in a real slump and will not make the post-season if they continue to play at this level.
This weekend history will be made in London when the New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors play the league's first regular season games in Europe.
The Nets and the Raptors will play games on Friday and Saturday at London's O2 Arena. Both games are almost sold out which is great news for everyone concerned. There is a surprisingly large basketball fan base in the UK and I am certain these games will attract a wider audience.
The Nets come in to these games with a record of 17-43. As previously reported the Nets recently signed superstar point guard Deron Williams from Utah. This young man is one of the most talented players in the league and will play a big part in the future of this team.
Williams is nursing a strained tendon at present and his participation in Friday's game is in doubt. New Jersey coach Avery Johnson will not start Williams if there is the slightest doubt of aggravating the injury.
The Raptors have a record of 17-44 and are finding life very tough after the departure of Chris Bosh to Miami last summer. This young team has some talented players in the rotation including DeMar DeRozan who is an exciting long term prospect. This talented guard is averaging over 16 points per game as is a star in the making.
The Raptors are currently trading at [2.38] in the match odds market for both Game 1 and Game 2, which is surprising. The Nets are really struggling at the moment and are not playing with a great deal of intensity. They are playing like a team that cannot wait for the season to end.
I think the Raptors have an excellent chance of winning both games. They are playing with a lot more enthusiasm that New Jersey which could be the deciding factor in both games.
Recommended Wagers:
Friday back Toronto in the match odds market at [2.38]
Saturday back Toronto in the match odds market at [2.38]
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