NBA Betting: Celtics look unlikely to retain title

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 22 April 2009 / Leave a Comment

After two narrow escapes, Nick Shiambouros' believes that the reigning Champions are in danger of being eliminated. Elsewhere, the Magic lose their touch and the Lakers get off to a flyer...

The Boston Celtics can count themselves very lucky not to be two games down against the Chicago Bulls in the opening round of the play-offs.

In the first game on Sunday, Derrick Rose scored an amazing 36 points in a thrilling 105-103 overtime victory for the Bulls. The Celtics had a chance to win the game in regulation but Paul Pierce missed a crucial free throw with only two seconds left.

In the second game on Monday evening, Ray Allen made a three point shot with only two seconds left to give the champions a 118-115 victory. Boston simply do not look like a team that is going to retain their NBA title I am afraid to say. In both games against Chicago they have struggled on the defensive end of the floor and if they do not play better transition defense they will be eliminated.

The Orlando Magic suffered a huge opening round defeat 100-98 against the Philadelphia 76ers in Florida on Sunday evening. The Magic looked to be in control with a 14 point lead in the fourth quarter but Philadelphia never gave up and won the game with a last second shot from Iguodala. Orlando traded at the lowest price of [1.01] so it was an expensive night for a few people.

In Atlanta on Sunday, the Hawks thrashed the Miami Heat 90-64 in a very one sided affair. Based on this display the Heat will have to make several defensive adjustments before the second game on Wednesday if they are to stay in the series.

On Tuesday night the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Detroit Pistons 94-82 to go 2-0 up in the series. The final score does not reflect Cleveland's superiority as coach Brown rested his rotation for most of the second half. As previously reported, some of the Detroit players will be traded in the summer but this performance by the Pistons was shocking. With Orlando and Boston struggling in the opening round the Cavaliers have hardened to [2.84] on the exchange to win the championship.

Over in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers got off to a flying start beating the Utah Jazz 113-100. The Lakers played well as a team and the bench looked very strong in this good looking effort.

The San Antonio Spurs lost the opening game to Dallas 105-97 on Sunday night in a very entertaining affair. This defeat was quickly avenged on Monday night when the Spurs evened the series by thrashing Dallas 105-84. San Antonio point guard Tony Parker put up one of the performances of the season scoring 38 points for the home team. This man was a pure delight to watch as he dismantled the Dallas defense with some breathtaking moves.

The Portland Trailblazers suffered a first game defeat against a gritty Houston team losing 108-81.This was a disappointing display from Portland and they will find it tough to come from behind against a more experienced Houston team.

The Denver Nuggets put up a big offensive display against New Orleans winning 113-84 on Sunday. I was surprised by the poor offensive effort by the Hornets in this one and I am expecting a better showing in game two on Thursday.

The Boston Celtics travel to Chicago on Thursday in a critical game three for both teams. I have backed the Celtics to win the NBA championship but my cash will be on the Bulls in this game. Chicago led by Derrick Rose have looked the better team in this series and they are growing in confidence. .

On a final note, the National Basketball Coaches Association have dedicated the 2009 play-offs to the great former Detroit Piston coach Chuck Daly who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last month. Every coach is wearing a lapel pin featuring his initials. Chuck Daly was one of the greatest coaches in the history of the NBA. Our thoughts are with him and his family as he battles this terrible disease.

Recommendation: Thursday - back the Chicago Bulls in the outright market