NBA Christmas Day Betting Preview: There's a big basketball shaped treat for December 25

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 24 December 2008 / Leave a comment

There's a sumptuous Christmas in the NBA with fixtures galore on the big day. Nick Shiambouros is settling down for a b-ball feast.

There is plenty of action on Christmas day in the NBA even to satisfy my appetite for b-ball with five consecutive games on television. It is, however, quality over quantity as every result could make a big difference in both conferences.

First up, at 5pm UK time, the in-form Orlando Magic host the New Orleans Hornets .I have previewed the Magic as a team to follow and their confidence is sky high after beating the Lakers in a thrilling contest 106-103 on Saturday. What impressed me the most about the Magic last weekend was their attitude when they were down by nine points against LA.

Jameer Nelson along with Dwight Howard both came up big, with Howard making 10 very important free throws.

The Magic are a clear third in the Eastern Conference and a victory against New Orleans would help cement their position and keep within hailing distance of the Celtics. It will not be easy for Orlando as the Chris Paul-powered New Orleans are playing very well. The Hornets are only four games behind the Lakers and a victory would really put pressure on LA if they lost to Boston.

I just favour the Magic with the handicap in this one but I think it will be a close affair.

The great LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Washington Wizards later on Christmas day, but this one is easy to call - Cavs all the way. I will definitely be taking Cleveland with the handicap in this one. The Cavaliers have a real chance to gain some ground on Boston with a victory if the Celtics lose. They could cut the Boston lead to just 1.5 games and I think they will put on a show. The Wizards are last in the Eastern conference and their season is effectively already over.

Also on Christmas day the Dallas Mavericks head to Portland in a game which could have some play-off significance. For me, Dallas have not been the same team since they lost to Miami in the NBA finals a couple of years ago. Dirk Nowitski is the leader of this team and is playing well at the moment but they appear to lack focus as a whole. This team used to be consistent in most areas of the game but players like Jason Terry have not been shooting the ball well.

Portland on the other hand are beginning to believe that they can make the play-offs in this tough Conference. Brandon Roy is having a great season for the Trailblazers and is averaging over 23 points per game. I think Portland will make the play-offs and I will be taking them with the handicap against this disappointing Dallas team.

Also in the Western Conference on Thursday the Phoenix Suns host Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs are a team I have previously featured and they come in to this game on a high. They have moved in to fifth position in the west and with a healthy starting line up I am expecting a big effort from this talented team. Point guard Tony Parker is healthy again his superb ball distribution will give the Suns plenty to think about.

Phoenix, however, do have the best point guard on the planet in Steve Nash but for me they are not playing up tom their full potential at the moment. With Shaquille O'Neal in the line-up there seams to be less effective transition play and as a whole they don't appear to have a real game plan.

As previously reported O'Neal has made the transition to this kind of offence but as a result the team has lost structure in my opinion. I will be taking the Spurs with the handicap in this one to round off a great day's basketball.

Recommended wagers:

Orlando - Back with advertised handicap
Cleveland - Back with advertised handicap
Portland - Back with advertised handicap
San Antonio - Back with advertised handicap