NBA Betting – Boston Celtics Value

The demise of the Boston Celtics has been written over and over this NBA betting offseason. It seems many are giving the Miami Heat the best basketball odds to reach the NBA finals. Did we miss something here? Aren’t the Celts bringing back, essentially, the same team that was a few points away from winning the title?

Boston has been called aging and finished by the critics for a couple of years now. Still, their veteran stars continue to perform at a high level. NBA odds are starting to skew towards the Heat and all of their new acquisitions. However, basketball bettors at Sports Betting shouldn’t overlook the Celtics.

Boston had a very quiet offseason. They re-signed both Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, two of their key veterans. Boston also managed to replace the retired Rasheed Wallace with Shaquille O’Neal. In Shaq, Boston loses some of the outside shooting ability that Wallace brought, but they now have less of a risk of technical fouls and they upgrade their rebounding ability. Boston was terribly outrebounded versus the Lakers in the final postseason game last year and knew they needed to correct that element.

Meanwhile, point guard Rajon Rondo continues to emerge for the Celtics. Each year, he becomes more critical to the Celtics success and his game becomes more well-rounded. If he can develop a reliable outside jump shot, Boston should be able to match up with anyone in the league, and yes, that includes the Miami Heat.

Right now the Celtics are a 10-1 shot to win the NBA title at the sportsbook. Now is the perfect chance to get in on those favorable future odds. With Miami and the Lakers listed as 6-4 co-favorites to win it all, the respect for Boston has waned considerably. Look for this experienced team to use this as motivation in their quest to get back to the finals and finish what they couldn’t this past June.

NBA Odds: Future Betting “Heats” Up

With a tip of the hat to Dennis Green…”don’t crown their asses just yet”.

We speak of the Miami Heat of course, as fans, commentators and of course, the sports betting public have been weighing in with their thoughts on the 2010-11 NBA Championship since the Lebron decided to “take his talents” to South Beach. Joining him down there is, of course, Chris Bosh and with D-Wade re-signing Miami has become the center of the NBA universe for the time being.

The big question is can they close the deal?

After the big announcement, online sportsbook Sportsbetting.com had the Heat listed as the odds-on favorite to take next season’s NBA title with odds of at +175. Sportsbook manager Brian Taylor said, “not surprisingly, we’ve seen more interest in our NBA Future betting options than any other off-season I can remember. And also not surprisingly, the Miami Heat are seeing lots of the volume, but we are seeing a reasonable amount of money coming in on the Orlando Magic in the East and the LA Lakers”

But until Miami actually wins a fourth game in the 2011 NBA Final, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers are the defending NBA champions.

Though a Lakers and Heat matchup in the next NBA Final is far from certain (despite what will undoubtedly be obsessive meddling by David Stern and co.), LA got an early punch in against Miami.

The Heat were said to be heavily courting Derek Fisher but the guard decided against joining LeBron, Bosh and Wade and opted to re-sign with his old team.

“I have decided to continue with Kobe, continue with our teammates and the fans of Los Angeles. While this may not be the most lucrative contract I’ve been offered this off season, it is the most valuable,” Fisher said on his website.

“I am confident I will continue to lead this team on and off the court. Let the hunt for six begin…”

The team also brought back the Zen Master, head coach Phil Jackson, who has been bench boss for the Lakers’ last five NBA titles.

Besides Fisher, the Lakers probably won’t be adding any big-name talent – the team is four players away from the association’s roster minimum of 13 players.

The Lakers are listed at +300 to repeat as NBA champs at the sportsbooks.

If the Miami Heat do become the power in the Eastern Conference, which team will present the biggest challenge?

The Boston Celtics, who are listed at +1000 to win the 2011 title, have re-signed Paul Pierce and Ray Allen and added Jermaine O’Neal and should pack some punch.

But the intra-state rivals, the Orlando Magic could be the major hurdle for the Heat.
The Magic have re-signed backup shooting guard J.J. Redick and have added point guard Chris Duhon from the New York Knicks and shooting guard Quentin Richardson from the Miami Heat and they already have the likes of Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson.

The Magic are listed at +200 to win the Eastern Conference title and +1600 to take the NBA championship during the 2010/11 campaign.

The Miami Heat have struck gold so far this off-season…but there are several teams who are ready to step up and keep the big prize out of South Beach.

You can check out all the NBA Odds.

We’ll keep an eye on the NBA Championship betting throughout the summer.

Have a great week.

NBA Championship Betting: Celtics vs. Lakers

With a tip of the hat to Yogi Berra, it’s “deja vu all over again” as the 2010 NBA Championship is set to tip off.

Just as they did two seasons ago, the storied Boston Celtics and LA Lakers will represent their respective conferences in this year’s NBA Final. LA is looking serve a cold dish of revenge, as they were dumped 4-2 in that 2008 Final.

This time around, online sportsbooks have the Lakers as the series favorites, listed at -175 while the Celtics are +155 underdogs.

So where’s the money going and is there any good value in betting on the series.

Let’s look at some the NBA Betting numbers of note for this matchup:

Boston has been a healthy play for the sports betting public the last few weeks, posting a 7-2 mark against the spread in their last nine starts.
They’ve also been covering at an impressive clip on home court, going 7-2 ATS the last nine times they’ve played in front of the hometown faithful.

Over/Under bettors might want to jot down that in the Celtics last 11 games overall, they have recorded 3 Overs, 7 Unders and 1 Push.

As for the Lakers, they are 10-2 SU in their last 12 overall, but for bettors, keep in mind they have not paid off very well at the STAPLES Center in their last 20 games, only going 7-12-1 ATS (but they are 17-3 straight up in those 20 starts).

The Celtics owned the Lakers the last time they met in the finals, going 4-2 SU but they were even more dominant when it came to against the spread numbers as Boston covered in every single game of that 2008 championship (6-0 ATS).

Celtics’ Injuries:
Despite the few days off that both teams have enjoyed prior to the start of the championship series, both teams are less than 100 percent.

Most notable amongst the banged up Celtics is starting point guard Rajon Rondo.

Rondo is suffering from muscle spasms in his back but he expects to be ready for opening tip-off on Thursday.

“I'm about 67 percent today,” quipped Rondo to ESPN.

“I won't be 100 percent by Thursday, but I'll be like 94.7.”

While Rondo says he will be somewhere close to 100 percent for the opener, the same probably can’t be said of Lakers center Andrew Bynum.

Lakers’ Injuries:
Bynum has been playing for a bulk of the postseason with slightly torn meniscus in his right knee and had the problem area drained on Tuesday according to reports.

Bynum will have to undergo offseason surgery and despite having the area drained, he told ESPN that it doesn’t feel any better.

“I think I just need to fight through it until we get the surgery done,” he said.

“This is the last hurrah; this is the last show, so I'm ready to give everything.”

Going into Game 1, SPORTSBETTING.com has the Lakers as a 5.5-point home favorite and the Total is set at 192.

In Boston’s last nine games when listed as an underdog of 6-points or less, there have been 6 Overs and 3 Unders.

The Lakers are only 3-6-1 ATS in their last 10 when favored by 6-points or less.

Early betting action has been pretty even, with 57% of the volume coming in on the Lakers.

I’ve made a small series wager on the Lakers at -175, as I think with the additions, the commitment to being tougher defensively (something that caused them issues in the 2008 loss) and a nicked up Celtic roster gives a nice edge to the Lakers.

Look for them to get some revenge and hoist the Championship trophy.

Enjoy the NBA Betting championship series.

Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Trends and Odds

Three teams are sitting pretty, waiting for the next round, while friends of Cleveland Cavalier fans are keeping them away from sharp objects and rooftops. And many bettors can relate, as online sportsbooks and Vegas shops alike, took in a lot of betting action on King James and the Cavs to not only win this series, but win the Eastern Conference and the Championship.
So while the Phoenix Suns prepare to battle the LA Lakers in the Western Conference final (after sweeping their respective semifinal series), the Orlando Magic (who also swept their series) are waiting to see who comes out of the Cavs-Celtics series.

Boston currently holds a 3-2 series lead — the Celtics took Game 5 by a final of 120-88, winning straight up as a +7.5 underdog.

The sports betting public took a hit in that game, as online sportsbooks reported heavy action coming in on the Cavs.

While LeBron James has been playing with an injured elbow, he says that’s not the reason for the Game 5 ass-kicking.

“I missed a lot of open shots that I normally make,” he told the Associated Press after the loss.

“You don’t see that out of me a lot so when it happens, it’s a big surprise.”

Game 6 will go in Beantown on Thursday and many are wondering aloud if they’ve seen the last of James in a Cleveland jersey.

Bettors take note: the Cavaliers have not been kind in their last 20 games overall, going a money-sucking 6-14 against the spread…and in their last eight road games, they are only 2-6 straight up. Cleveland is only 2-10 SU in their last 12 games in Boston.

Looking at betting the Total in this one? Here’s a quick trend worth noting. In the Cavs’ last nine games overall vs. Boston Celtics, there have been 7 Overs and only 2 Unders.

Obviously the Celtics want to end the series on Thursday and get ready for their date in the Eastern Conference final, and possibly another NBA championship.

“We cannot come back [to Cleveland],” said Kevin Garnett after Game 5.

“We have to think this is our Game 7 coming up and we cannot afford to have the best team in the league have a Game 7 on their floor. Just not possible.”

In their last 10 games overall, the Celtics are 7-3 SU and ATS.

This should be one of the best games of the 2010 NBA playoffs…you can check all the updated NBA Odds.

Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic Odd and Preview

The NBA match between Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic will kick off on May 6, 2010 at 8:00 PM ET. The venue for this match is Amway Arena, Orlando, FL.

Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Woodson woke up Wednesday and watched a movie.

It was a horror film with a predictable plot, a super villain and plenty of heart-wrenching moments. Hawks were ripped apart in nearly every scene before the painful-to-watch finish.

Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Woodson woke up Wednesday and watched a movie.

It was a horror film with a predictable plot, a super villain and plenty of heart-wrenching moments. Hawks were ripped apart in nearly every scene before the painful-to-watch finish.

The Magic led by as many as 46 points in the fourth, even with Howard and the rest of their starters on the bench. It was the largest margin of defeat in the playoffs since the franchise moved to Atlanta in 1968, and the second-largest playoff victory in the Magic's history.

Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic Schedule

Match: Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Date: May 6, 2010

Venue: Amway Arena, Orlando, FL

You can check all the updated NBA Odds.

NBA Playoff Picks 2010 NBA Odds and Predictions

Everything seems to be back to normal in La-La Land, at least for the time being.

While many were beginning to jump off the Los Angeles Lakers’ bandwagon prior to Tuesday’s Game 5, Kobe Bryant didn’t seem concerned about blowing a 2-0 series lead to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“Who said our backs are against the wall?” Bryant asked when questioned by the Los Angeles Times before Game 5.

“It’s a 2-2 series. What the hell is going on around here?”

Although the momentum seemed to be swinging in the Thunder’s direction, the Lakers showed the new kids on the playoff block who was in charge.

While Kobe did have a solid game, he had modest point totals, going 4 of 9 from the field for 13 points but his teammates were there to contribute as well.

Power forward Pau Gasol led the Lake Show with 25 points, center Andrew Bynum was close behind with 21 and the Lakers came away with a 111-87 win, covering as 6-point home favorites.

The momentum seems to have swung again but who will be the victor when the two meet in Oklahoma City on Friday?

Online sportsbooks have the Lakers as 1.5-point road ‘dogs with the Total is set at 195.

Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Trends:

The Lakers are a study of opposites in their last nine overall games against the Thunder, going 6-3 straight up but going 3-6 against the spread at the same time.

In the Lakers’ last nine road games, they aren’t impressive either way, going 2-7 SU and 3-6 ATS and six of their last eight road games have gone Over while two have gone Under the Total.

In the Purple and Gold’s last 20 games when listed as an underdog of 2-points or less, they are 14-6 both SU and ATS.

SPORTSBETTING.com’s manager, Brian Taylor, said the betting action in Game 5 favored the Lakers about 60-40, but so far the early action on Game 6 is tilted to the home team Thunder, with 63% of all the volume on the small favorite.

Dallas vs. San Antonio

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban hasn’t been shy when expressing his hatred for the San Antonio Spurs and he must’ve been fuming prior to Game 5 of the series.

The Mavs were down 3-1 in the series but managed to stay alive with a 103-81 victory on Tuesday night — covering as 5-point home faves.

The Dallas Mavericks could take the series the distance with a win Thursday in San Antone; the Spurs are 3.5-point faves for that game and the Over/Under is at 191.

In the Mavericks’ last 14 games on the road, they are 10-4 SU and 10-3-1 ATS.

The Spurs are only 6-13-1 ATS in their last 20 games when hosting the Dallas Mavericks.

The Spurs are also 10-2 SU and 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 home games.

Enjoy all the b-ball playoff action and check out NBA Odds

2010 NBA Playoff Picks and Odds – NBA Playoff Predictions

Friday night serves up three more big NBA matchups, including the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs.

Prior to Game 2, Mavs owner Mark Cuban talked about the hate he felt towards his team’s first-round opponent.

"I have a hard time being civil to [Spurs owner] Peter Holt at the board of governors meetings and he has a hard time being civil to me even though we both like each other," Cuban is quoted as saying by ESPN.

"We can both be 0-80 and if those last two games are Spurs-Mavericks, it's going to be like a playoff game because we dislike each other that much."

The Spurs responded by blowing out the Mavs 102-88 in Game 2, covering as 3.5-point underdogs.

Now tied at 1-1 going into Game 3, online sportsbooks have the Spurs as 3-point road ‘dogs with the Total at 193.5.

In their last 16 games in San Antonio, the Dallas Mavericks are a very impressive 12-4 against the spread.

The Mavs have also been kind to bettors in their last 12 road games, with records of 10-2 SU and ATS.

The Spurs, for their part, are 12-3 SU and 11-4 ATS in their last 15 home games.

Looking at the Over/Under numbers of note, San Antonio has produced 7 Overs and only 1 Under in their last eight home games.

Sportsbook SPORTSBETTING.com is reporting early action coming in on the underdog Mavericks, with 63% of all the betting volume in this one so far tilted to the visitor.

Two big matches  Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics. Enjoy all the action.

Check the updated NBA Odds