Fortunately for the Magic, they’ll face some lighter competition during a three-game trip that begins Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Orlando (23-8) moved two games ahead of Atlanta in the Southeast by winning four times on its season-high five-game homestand, which concluded with Wednesday night’s 117-92 victory over Milwaukee.

The Timberwolves look to build on their 6-1 ATS record in their last 7 games as a home underdog. Minnesota is the pick (+8 1/2) I have the Magic favored by only 7.

The Atlanta Thrashers, meanwhile, are sorely in need of a fresh start in 2010.

What has begun as a disastrous road trip continues in Buffalo on Friday night for the Thrashers, who have lost six straight overall but will be trying to win their seventh consecutive meeting with the Sabres.

Atlanta’s seven-game trip is its longest of the season, and the Thrashers (18-17-4) have no points to show for the first four stops. They’ve dropped a season-worst six straight overall and are 1-8-0 in their last nine road games after starting 9-2-1 away from home.

The Sabres look to take advantage of an Atlanta team that is 0-5 in its last 5 road games. Buffalo is the pick (-180), I have the Sabres favored by 69%