NBA Betting: Have a Maverick bet on Dallas

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 20 November 2009 / Leave a Comment

Dirk Nowitzki is Dallas' key player and will have a big part to play if they are to go "deep" in this year's campaign.

"Dallas superstar Dirk Nowitzki put on a show on his home floor scoring 41 points in thieir overtime victory. When Nowitzki is in this kind of form he is virtually unstoppable."

Nick Shiambouros tells us what's being goon on the world of hoops on the other side of the pond and looks ahead to the weekend's action including why Atlanta are worth siding with on the handicap.

The Dallas Mavericks beat the San Antonio Spurs 99-94 in a thrilling encounter on Wednesday evening. Dallas superstar Dirk Nowitzki put on a show on his home floor scoring 41 points in thieir overtime victory. When Nowitzki is in this kind of form he is virtually unstoppable.

The Mavericks have started the season well and are 9-3 for the year. Dallas are currently trading at [32.0] to win the NBA championship and I can think of worse bets at this stage of the season. If they continue to play at this level, that price could shrink in the next few weeks.
　
The Portland Trailblazers are another team in the Western Conference who have started the year well and handed the Detroit Pistons a 87-81 defeat late on Wednesday at the Rose Garden. The great Brandon Roy scored 20 points and it is worth the price of admission just to see him play. This is yet another team in the west that is expected to have a big year.
　
The Los Angeles Lakers thrashed the Chicago Bulls 109-93 in a one-sided affair at the Staples Center late on Thursday. This was a messy affair but it marked the return of Pau Gasol who had been absent through injury.

Over in the Eastern Conference the Atlanta Hawks demolished the Miami Heat 105-90 at home on Wednesday. The Hawks are 10-2 for the year and are unbeaten at home. Atlanta guard Joe Johnson has been on fire for the Hawks recently and is playing as well as I've ever seen him play. The Hawks have certainly ruffled a few feathers this season and are a team that could produce some surprise results this year..
　
The Cleveland Cavaliers were spanked 108-91 by the Washington Wizards in DC on Wednesday and things are not fully clicking with the Cavs. LeBron James had a rare off night and turned the ball over six times.
　
On Saturday the in form Atlanta Hawks travel to Chris Paul to play the New Orleans Hornets in an interesting affair. If the Hawks are to mount a serious challenge in the east then these are the kind of games they have to win. Atlanta have a talented rotation with Jamal Crawford and Josh Smith helping team leader Joe Johnson.

Then on Sunday the in-form Phoenix Suns play host to the Detroit Pistons at the US Airways Center. The Suns are unbeaten at home and are looking to continue their fantastic start to the year. I think Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire should provide plenty of points for this high energy offense.This Phoenix team has been invincible at home this year and I think they should easily take care of a moderate Detroit team.

The Detroit Pistons had a shocking year last season and as a result failed to sell out for the first time in five years back in February. The Pistons have a record of 5-7 for the year and I will be surprised if they make the playoffs this season. Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince have a mountain to climb for this disappointing team.

Recommended wagers

NBA Championship back Dallas at 32.0
Saturday back Atlanta -6.5 points against Houston
Sunday back Phoenix with advertised handicap