Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 06 June 2009 / Leave a comment

It was the Kobe Bryant show on Thursday night as the LA lakers beat Orlando comfortably but the Florida-based team will have learnt from their mistakes and it should be closer this time round, says Nick Shiambouros.

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Orlando Magic 100-75 with a dominant second half performance at the Staples Center on Thursday. The Magic matched the Lakers in every department in the first half of this opening game but it was Kobe Bryant who took over in the second half. Bryant scored 18 points in the third quarter and finished the night with 40.

This was a huge effort by the Lakers but Orlando shot the ball poorly in the second half and shot only 30% overall. Dwight Howard was surrounded every time he touched the ball inside and finished the night with just 12 points. Jameer Nelson returned to the floor after a four month absence and played well enough considering it was his first game back..

Game 2 takes place back at the Staples Center on Sunday and I am expecting a much better display from Orlando in this one. If the Magic can get their outside shot working then I am sure the second game will be a lot closer. Rafer Alston and Rashard Lewis are two players that can light up the board in a hurry and it is critical that they both play well.

The Lakers have hardened to [1.24] on the exchange to win the championship. I think this price is absurd based on one performance. Game 2 promises to be much closer on Sunday and I am certain that Magic coach Stan Van Gundy will make the appropriate adjustments. I think it will be another low scoring affair and I will be backing the under 203.5 points.

Recommended Bets:

Sunday, back the total under points 203.5
Lay Los Angeles at 1.24 to win the NBA championship