Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 26 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Orlando and Denver are proving tough opponents for the NBA Championships' two favourites.

The Los Angeles Lakers were comprehensively beaten 120-101 in a dominant display by the Denver Nuggets late on Monday night. The series is tied at two games apiece after this huge effort from Denver.

The Nuggets started well and never traded at odds-against in this entertaining game. The good news for Denver was that all the starting five made a contribution including the bench which gives an indication of how they have matured as a team.

The Lakers once again were out hustled and not for the first time lacked passion and intensity. When the players were introduced before the opening tip they looked overwhelmed by the occasion and as a consequence came out flat. LA only managed 19 points in the opening quarter and never looked like threatening this energised Denver team.

Game five in this series moves back to Los Angeles on Wednesday and it really is a must win game for the home team. If they lose there is every chance they will be eliminated. Kobe Bryant was quoted as saying that the outcome of the series rests on the shoulders of Pau Gasol and himself. I totally disagree with that statement and if players like Derek Fisher and Trevor Ariza do not start contributing they will be sent packing by Denver.

Denver certainly have a chance to win the game as they are slowly coming round to the fact they can win this series and advance to the finals. The Lakers are currently trading at [2.7] to win the NBA Championship, but based on what I have seen this looks poor value.

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Over in the Eastern Conference, Cleveland and Orlando are locked in a titanic battle with the Magic leading 2-1 in the series. The Cavaliers are extremely fortunate not to be three games down as it took the shot of the season from LeBron James to win game two (see video clip). This shot will be talked about for years and I still don't know how he made it.

Game four takes place on Tuesday night and it is a must win for Cleveland. I have been disappointed with the performance so far by the Cavaliers and the rotation has become one dimensional .Orlando appear to have every move covered inside with Dwight Howard and they are really hurting Cleveland from the three point line.Mo Williams and Ilgauskas have had a shocking series for the Cavaliers and I am very surprised that they are 8.5 point favourites to win game four.

I really think this will be a tight game and my money will be on Orlando with the handicap. The points total of under 188.5 is of interest as I think this will be a low scoring game. The Cavaliers have drifted to [2.94] on the exchange to wein the Championship, but they could be a lot bigger tomorrow morning.

Recommended wagers:

Tuesday, back Orlando with advertised handicap (-11.5), back under total points 188.5.