NBA Betting Preview: A tall order for the Chicago Bulls

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 31 October 2008 / Leave a Comment

Despite boasting a rookie sensation amongst their ranks, Nick Shiambouros believes the Chicago Bulls will be overrun by a relaxed Boston. Meanwhile, will the 76ers fans have lost their voices at the baseball?

The Los AngelesLakers sent a strong message to the Western Conference with two back to back wins to start the season in sensational style. The Portland Trailblazers were beaten 96-76 on opening night but the dismal Los Angeles Clippers were thrashed 117-79 in a Wednesday night rout by the Lakers.

The Clippers have been in rebuilding mode for over 20 years and I think this season will be no different. I think poor head coach Mike Dunleavy will be in for a very long season assuming he lasts that long.

Over in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics struggled to overcome Le Bron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers 90-85 and were trading at [2.0] and higher during the game. I think the Celtics felt quite a lot of pressure on opening night but make no mistake they have a target on their backs that will stay on all season long.

There's plenty of action across America this weekend and on Friday night the Boston Celtics host the Chicago Bulls with rookie sensation Derrick Rose, who has impressed me in pre-season, expected to lead the Bulls this year. Rose was a hero for Memphis last year in the NCAA tournament and led them to the final and I like the way he has made the transition to the NBA so far.

I think it will be a tall order for Chicago to come away with the win and I think Boston -9.5 at around [2.0] is the way to go. The Celtics should be relaxed and with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce providing all the passion you could wish for it should be a big night for Boston.

A few miles south, the Philadelphia 76ers host the latest version of the New York Nicks who made a winning start against the Miami Heat in a high scoring affair at The Garden on opening night. New Nicks head coach Mike D'Antoni has the unenviable task of taking this team into the playoffs this season but they impressed me opening night and I think they could be competitive against the heavily favored 76ers who are trading at [1.25].I would recommend a lay of Philadelphia at this price and a trade out at around [1.75] in running. I also think the Philly fans will have had enough celebrations to last a lifetime after the Phillies won the World Series so the home crowd may not be as vocal as usual.

The final match I would like to look at is Saturday night's game between the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma Storm in Houston. The Rockets have made a good start to the year and beat Dallas 112-102 late on Thursday night in a convincing away win. The star of the night was Ron Artest who, if he can stay focused, will be a major force this year. However, his record on and off the court means it is a very big if.

Oklahoma have not had a fairytale start to the year and I recommend taking Houston and the points in this one when the markets open.

Recommended wagers:

Boston -9.5 Back around [2.0]
Lay Philadelphia [1.25], back in running at [1.75]
Back Houston with advertised handicap