NBA Odds Online
NBA Eastern Conference Finals Preview
2010-05-24
The last two Eastern Conference champions will square off beginning on Sunday at Amway Arena in a bid to reach another NBA Finals. The Celtics won the NBA title two years ago but were knocked out by the Magic in last year's conference semi-finals. In that series, Orlando rallied from a 3-2 series deficit to finish off the Celtics with a 101-82 victory in Game 7 at Boston. In defeat, the Celtics felt that an injury had cost them another title. Veteran forward Kevin Garnett wasn't available for that series. The Celtics will have him in this year's rematch but Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen aren't the players they were two years ago. Still, Boston was able to upset the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in six games in the conference semi-finals. With LeBron James and the Cavs out of the picture, the road to this year's NBA title will have to go through Orlando. The Magic have been perfect in this year's postseason. Orlando destroyed Atlanta in the Eastern semi-finals. The Magic swept the Hawks with an average margin of victory of 25 points. In the regular season, Orlando won three of its four matchups against Boston. All four of the games were decided by single-digits. In the four games, the Magic held the Celtics to an average of just 87 points per game. These are the kind of stats NBA betting keep their eyes on. When you place you NBA bets you have to know all the numbers before making a decision.
While Boston's star trio will still play a big role in this series, point guard Rajon Rondo (14 points, 10 assists per game during regular season) is now the catalyst of the team. His triple-double effort in Game 4 of the conference semi-finals sparked Boston to an upset in the series matchup against the heavily-favored Cleveland squad. In the series, Rondo finished with an average of 21 points and 12 assists per game. While Rondo dazzled against Cleveland, Pierce (18 points per game during regular season) struggled against the Cavs. After shooting less than 35% from the field against Cleveland, the Celtics will need Pierce to bounce back in this series. Allen (16 points per game during regular season) has been more consistent this postseason with an average of 17 points per contest. Garnett (14 points, 7 rebounds per game during regular season) has been rejuvenated by the team's postseason run. He averaged 19 points per game against the Cavs and hit on 60% of his field goal tries over the final four games of the series. Against Orlando's Dwight Howard, Boston center Kendrick Perkins (10 points, 8 rebounds per game during regular season) will play a key role in the series versus the Magic. Former Orlando head coach Doc Rivers was able to get the Celtics its first title in more than two decades in 2008. Which made many NBA bettors happy.
A deep Orlando squad begins with Howard (18 points,13 rebounds per game during regular season) in the middle. The back-to-back NBA Defensive Player of the Year bounced back from a rough opening series against Charlotte to have a dominant run against the Hawks. He hit a remarkable 84% of his field goal attempts against an overwhelmed Atlanta squad. To counter Rondo, Orlando will have a solid point guard of its own. Jameer Nelson (13 points, 5 assists per game during regular season) was on the sidelines with an injury when his team faced Boston in last year's postseason. In this year's playoffs, Nelson is averaging a team-high 21 points per outing. Veteran guard Vince Carter (17 points per game during regular season) is still capable of taking over a game with bursts of scoring. Forward Rashard Lewis (14 points per game during regular season) is the top 3-point shooter for the league's best perimeter shooting team. During the regular season, Orlando hit on an average of ten 3-point shots per game while its opponents hit on just six long range attempts per contest. The advantage has grown in the postseason. The Magic have hit an average of 11 trifectas per game in the playoffs while opponents have connected on just four 3-point shots per outing. With a variety of scoring options on a deep roster, head coach Stan Van Gundy has done an effective job of juggling his deep roster to get the most from his squad. He is hoping that last year's run to the NBA Finals will help his team take one more step this time around.
Which of these titans are you placing your NBA bet on? Head over to www.sportsbook.com where the best NBA playoff betting lines are.
Charlotte Bobcat’s vs. the Orlando Magic first round NBA Playoffs matchup.
2010-04-23
After getting its first taste of postseason play last Sunday in Orlando, the Charlotte Bobcats will try to even up its best-of-seven series against the Magic in Game 2 on Wednesday night at Amway Arena. NBA odds look long for the Bobcats. This young Bobcats franchise made its playoff debut against a strong Orlando club in Game 1, the squad appeared to be a little overwhelmed by the moment in the early going. Charlotte trailed by 11 after the first quarter as the Magic offense put 31 points on the board. By halftime, Orlando had extended its lead to 16 as it took a 59-43 advantage into the break. After the home club scored the first six points of the second half, the visitors began to climb back into the contest. Charlotte reeled off the next ten points to cut the margin down to 12 midway through the third quarter. Down 76-66 entering the final period, the Bobcats were within striking distance with 12 minutes to play. Charlotte ultimately pulled to within four points at 83-79 with just under four minutes left but would get no closer. The defending Eastern Conference champions were able to come away with a 98-89 victory to open up the series. Guard Jameer Nelson provided an unexpected spark with a sparkling 32-point effort to pace the Magic. He was glad to be healthy heading into this postseason after missing most of last year's playoffs due to an injury. Forward Rashard Lewis added 19 points for Orlando. Charlotte forward Gerald Wallace delivered a big performance in a losing cause with 25 points and 17 rebounds. Three-point shooting was one of the big differences in the contest. While Charlotte only connected on three long range shots, Orlando nailed 13 trifectas in the victory. The Magic also used its defense to its advantage in the victory by forcing 14 turnovers. While Orlando star center Dwight Howard had a quiet offensive night with just five points, he created some havoc in the middle on the other end of the floor with nine blocked shots. And if there is one thing you can bet on basketball in the NBA, Howard will be a force to be reckoned with in every game.
With only 13 road wins during the regular season, Charlotte will be hard pressed to gain a victory away from home against an elite squad in this series. A big key to any upset hopes will be veteran guard Stephen Jackson. When he was acquired early in the season from Golden State, the Bobcats were just 3-9. As it turned out, Jackson's arrival provided a major spark as the club went 41-29 the rest of the way. Jackson ended up leading the club in scoring at 21 points per outing. Wallace (18 points, 10 rebounds per game during regular season) is the club's other significant offensive threat. Charlotte's biggest asset might be on the sidelines. Bobcats head coach Larry Brown is in the NBA Playoffs with his eighth different club. He has taken two different franchises all the way to the NBA Finals and won a championship six years ago with the Detroit Pistons. With an NCAA title on his resume as well, Brown is the only head coach to win championships in college hoops and the NBA.After a strong second half of the season, Orlando is a confident squad heading into this postseason. Orlando is now 35-7 at home during the 2009-10 campaign after Sunday's victory. Howard (18 points, 13 rebounds per game during regular season) is the focal point of the squad in the middle. While he is still evolving as an offensive player, Howard's defensive presence is overwhelming at times. He was named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year after leading the league in rebounding and blocked shots during the regular season. After the free agent departure of Hedo Turkoglu during the summer, Orlando worked a deal with New Jersey to bring in veteran guard Vince Carter (17 points per game during regular season). While he is no longer a dominant offensive force, Carter is still capable of getting hot at various times throughout a particular game. Lewis (14 points per game during regular season) is the club's top long range shooter. Head coach Stan Van Gundy is trying to recapture last season's playoff success again. He has done a nice job of incorporating some new players onto this year's roster. Can the Bobcat’s pull off a victory in this series? Get over to www.sportsbook.com and place your bets now.
NBA: Dallas short favorites to continue mastery
2009-12-16
Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder have made big strides this season after posting one of the worst records in the NBA in 2008-09. Their last two games, however, showed that they still have a ways to go. Durant and the Thunder will try to contain Dirk Nowitzki, who had two 40-point performances against them last season, when they host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. Dallas is a 1-point favorite and backed by nearly 90% of the bettors at Sportsbook.com.
Oklahoma City (12-11, 14-9 ATS) had the third-worst record in the Western Conference last season at 23-59, but is more than halfway to surpassing its win total of ’08-’09.
Durant has sparked the surprising start, averaging 28.5 points to place among the NBA leaders. He scored at least 25 in the last nine games - the longest active streak in the league - and recorded two double-doubles in the last three games.
Despite Durant’s progress, his team still struggles against the NBA’s elite. Its last three losses - to Boston, Cleveland and Denver - came by an average of 13.3 points, with the Thunder averaging fewer than 90 points in those games.
Oklahoma City lost 102-93 to the Nuggets on Monday after falling 102-89 to Cleveland the day before. Durant scored 32 points and added 10 rebounds against Denver, but the Thunder shot 39.2 percent and were outscored 30-17 in the second quarter. Forward Jeff Green, who came in averaging 15.0 points, was held to eight. Sports bettors can at least take heart as the Thunder is 9-1 ATS after one or more consecutive losses this season.
The Thunder’s tough stretch continues Wednesday night against Dallas (18-7, 13-12 ATS), and they take on Detroit, Houston, the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix in the next four games.
Oklahoma City faces a major challenge in defending Nowitzki, who averaged 36.8 points in his last four contests versus the Thunder. He had 46-point and 41-point games against them last season.
The Thunder have lost 15 of 17 to the Mavericks (6-9-2 ATS) and dropped two of three last season. Durant missed the only win because of a sprained ankle and was limited to less than eight minutes in another matchup because of the same injury. Durant has averaged 14.0 points and 37.5 percent shooting in six career games versus Dallas.
Astute bettors note OKC/Sea has covered five in a row over the Mavs.
The Mavericks won their fourth straight Monday, 94-90 over New Orleans despite a season-low 10 points from Nowitzki, who is averaging 26.6. The Hornets constantly double- and triple-teamed the Mavericks star - a defensive approach that the Thunder may have noticed.
That led to one of his teammates having his best game of the season. J.J. Barea scored a season-high 23 points on 10-of-13 shooting, which helped Dallas overcome a season-high 23 turnovers.
Despite winning eight of last 11, Dallas is just 4-7 ATS, being involved in a number of close games. On the subject of close, the Mavericks are two-point road favorites with a total of 194. The Mavs are 4-15 ATS after three or more consecutive wins, however are 20-9 ATS in road games first half of the season since last year. Oklahoma City is 3-7 ATS as home underdog and they have only covered one game in last five if opposing team has a winning road record.
Oddsmakers like those at Sportsbook.com have made adjustments to the total. These teams have played Under in five of the last six meetings and the current figure is the lowest in last 11 confrontations. Oklahoma City is 14-4 UNDER when playing against a team with a 70 percent or higher win percentage since relocating to Oklahoma. Dallas on the other hand is 13-4 OVER as a favorite of 4.5-points or less.
This is the early ESPN game which starts at 8:00 Eastern. The StatFox Power Line shows Oklahoma City by 2
L.A. Lakers at Houston 9:30 E ESPN
2009-05-08
Two NBA series are tied at a game a piece and will switch venues for Game 3 of the series. Both Orlando and Houston were surprising opening game winners and both were beaten rather decidedly, at least by the final score of the last contest. Both teams gave the thumbs up in earning a split and will play before the home folks looking to maintain edge they enjoyed by winning on the road. The third game of a series tends to be the most critical; this should be no different Friday night. Be sure to check the latest info for both contests by visiting the LIVE ODDS, BETTING TRENDS, and TEAM STATISTICS pages.
In the fourth quarter of Game 2, TNT analyst Doug Collins said “This much emotion and physical play and its only the second game of the series!” Whatever the Los Angeles Lakers had in mind after breezing thru defenseless Utah, they’ve receiving a barrage reminiscent of Manny Pacquiao from the Houston Rockets.
Houston was the clear aggressor in the first contest and continually took the action to the Lakers, who seldom responded and the Rockets didn’t steal it, they did what Smith Barney used to do – earned it the old fashion way.
That set the table for Lakers to counter-punch (if you will) and their mindset was clearly different. Phil Jackson’s club started fast, but thanks to the hard work of Carl Landry off the bench, Houston caught the Lakers by halftime at 57 a piece. The Lakers went back to getting the ball out on the break and persistently taking it to the rim and reasserted control. The Rockets were plagued by 19 turnovers and let L.A. play their game in the second half.
Though Andrew Bynum was a complete non-factor (nine minutes, three fouls) Houston did a preposterously poor job in getting Yao Ming the ball. No doubt Ming could have been more pugnacious about demanding the ball, since he only had four shot attempts for the game (6 of 7 free throws). The big man was bothered by the quickness of Pau Gasol and must do a better job of keeping him on one hip to secure basketball. The Rockets have rebounded from large losses with 10-2 ATS mark after double digit defeat.
Ron Artest has enjoyed a very good series and been a thorn in the side of the Lakers, he needs to keep his composure (easier said than done) and be able to play the entire game without be asked to depart. Houston is 36-8 at the Toyota Center (21-22-1 ATS) and are 1.5-point underdogs with total of 195. This will be just the third time the Rockets will be catching points at home this season, with this being the second time against L.A. It makes sense Kobe Bryant and mates are favored, as they are league best 30-13 (23-19 ATS) as visitors and 8-3-1 ATS in this round of action.
You have to contemplate if the oddsmakers are suggesting Houston is in trouble in Game 3, with the total at the highest level of the series. Since 2005, the Rockets are 3-8 and 2-9 ATS if Los Angeles scores 100 or more points. Houston is 14-6 ATS in underdog role of 4.5 or less points.
NBA: Top Weekend Power Trends
2008-12-31
After taking the New Year’s Holiday off, the NBA rolls into 2009 with a full slate of weekend action on tap. On Friday, every one of the league’s 30 teams will be in action, the first time this season for such an occurrence. On Saturday, there are another seven games, so 14 teams will be in back-to-back scenarios. Finally, on Sunday six more games will wrap up the weekend stretch. As usual, here is our weekly look at the NBA weekend action along with some of the top trends you can consider in your wagering.
The Friday betting board is highlighted by the ESPN doubleheader, featuring Chicago and Cleveland in the first game, and Utah and the Lakers in the nightcap. The Cavaliers have been perfect at home, going 16-0 SU & 12-4 ATS while outscoring opponents by 15.3 PPG. At presstime, they were already 12-1/2 games head of the divisional rival Bulls in the standings, a far cry from previous seasons when Chicago was normally the one looking down in the standings. Out West, the Lakers have been pretty solid at home too, going 16-1 SU while outscoring teams by 11.3 PPG. Pointspreads haven’t been quite as easy to beat for them though, with just an 8-9 ATS record. The Jazz are one of the only teams that plays just once this weekend, in this game. Their next outing isn’t till Monday. Other big games for Friday include Miami visiting Orlando, and New Orleans taking on Portland.
Saturday’s lineup features some quality matchups as well, tipped off by a 7:05 PM ET start between the Rockets and Hawks in Atlanta. HC Mike Woodson’s team has been on fire of late and has established a huge home court advantage, winning 14 of 16 games in Atlanta. They are also 6-3 SU & 6-2-1 ATS vs. the Western Conference this season. Houston has struggled of late in covering pointspreads but hopes to start a January run similar to last year’s. A bit later on that night, the Hornets will continue their 4-game road trip with a second stop, this one in Denver. The franchise has fared well in the Mile High City in recent years, winning 10 of their L14 against the spread.
Sunday’s NBA action again features a early afternoon tipoff in Toronto, as the red-hot Magic come to town. The Raptors have spent most of the season on the road seemingly, but this matinee will wrap up a 3-game holiday homestand for them. Orlando has been one of the league’s best road teams, with an 11-4 SU & ATS mark at presstime. Elsewhere on Sunday, Boston visits New York, and Portland travels to L.A. to take on Kobe & Co.
It should be a busy and exciting betting weekend. Let the NBA be part of it. Here are some of the Top StatFox Power Trends for you to put to use over the next three days.
Friday, 1/2/2009
(701) HOUSTON vs. (702) TORONTO
HOUSTON is 41-17 ATS (+22.3 Units) vs. poor pressure defensive teams forcing <=14 TOs/game over L2 seasons. The average score was HOUSTON 95.6, OPPONENT 87.9 - (Rating = 3*)
(705) WASHINGTON vs. (706) BOSTON
BOSTON is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) vs. poor 3 point shooting teams (<=33%) over L2 seasons. The average score was BOSTON 102.3, OPPONENT 88.1 - (Rating = 2*)
(709) CHICAGO vs. (710) CLEVELAND
CLEVELAND is 31-12 ATS (+17.8 Units) vs. good offensive teams - scoring 99+ PPG over L2 seasons. The average score was CLEVELAND 99.6, OPPONENT 96.3 - (Rating = 2*)
(727) NEW ORLEANS vs. (728) PORTLAND
NEW ORLEANS is 13-1 UNDER (+11.9 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent of >=10 points over L2 seasons. The average score was NEW ORLEANS 91.4, OPPONENT 90 - (Rating = 3*)
(729) UTAH vs. (730) LA LAKERS
UTAH is 39-20 ATS (+17 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over L2 seasons. The average score was UTAH 103.2, OPPONENT 99 - (Rating = 2*)
Saturday, 1/3/2009
(505) SACRAMENTO vs. (506) INDIANA
INDIANA is 26-11 OVER (+13.9 Units) in non-conference games over L2 seasons. The average score was INDIANA 105.7, OPPONENT 109 - (Rating = 2*)
(507) NEW JERSEY vs. (508) MIAMI
MIAMI is 8-24 ATS (-18.4 Units) as a favorite over L2 seasons. The average score was MIAMI 96, OPPONENT 97 - (Rating = 2*)
(511) PHILADELPHIA vs. (512) SAN ANTONIO
PHILADELPHIA is 25-10 ATS (+14 Units) vs. teams who average 7 or less steals/game over L2 seasons.
The average score was PHILADELPHIA 98.7, OPPONENT 93.4 - (Rating = 2*)
(513) NEW ORLEANS vs. (514) DENVER
Byron Scott is 44-19 ATS (+23.1 Units) on Saturday games as the coach of NEW ORLEANS. The average score was Scott 96.6, OPPONENT 96 - (Rating = 3*)
Sunday, 1/4/2009
(701) ORLANDO vs. (702) TORONTO
Stan Van Gundy is 29-11 ATS (+16.9 Units) vs. poor teams - outscored by 3+ PPG as the coach of ORLANDO. The average score was Van Gundy 104.3, OPPONENT 92.6 - (Rating = 2*)
(705) DETROIT vs. (706) LA CLIPPERS
LA CLIPPERS are 20-7 UNDER (+12.3 Units) at home versus teams with a winning record over L2 seasons. The average score was LA CLIPPERS 88.6, OPPONENT 98.3 - (Rating = 2*)
(707) DALLAS vs. (708) MEMPHIS
MEMPHIS is 1-13 ATS (-13.3 Units) versus marginal winning teams (Win Pct. 51%-60%) over L2 seasons. The average score was MEMPHIS 99.4, OPPONENT 112.9 - (Rating = 3*)
(709) BOSTON vs. (710) NEW YORK
BOSTON is 18-3 ATS (+14.7 Units) vs. division opponents over L2 seasons. The average score was BOSTON 104.8, OPPONENT 90.8 - (Rating = 4*)