NBA Finals Preview

The last time the Orlando Magic reached the NBA Finals, they fell flat on their faces, getting swept by the Houston Rockets in 1995. (AP Images)"]

It’s time to make amends and bring the city of Orlando a title.

The Magic will open the Finals on Thursday in Los Angeles against the L.A. Lakers after winning the Eastern Conference and smothering the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Magic, who were not one of the favorites when the playoffs began, have convinced everyone that they are for real. They came from behind to beat both Philadelphia and Boston. Then they pounded the Cavs, who had the best record in the league during the regular season.

As for the Lakers, they are back where they wanted to be.

Their chance for redemption is at hand after they eliminated the Denver Nuggets in six Western Conference Finals games. The Lakers are favored by 6 points in Game 1. Get your NBA finals odds with Bodog now.