NBA Line Betting: Back Lakers to regain the winning habit

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 09 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Man in the mask: Kobe scored 30 but saw his team lose, he should be on the winning team tonight

"The Lakers have won an incredible 17 straight over the Timberwolves .This is the longest active winning streak by one team over another. I think Los Angeles will extend the streak and should be backed at around [1.9] with the +1 handicap."

There are some important games taking place on Friday as the race for the post-season heats up. Nick Shiambouros previews three games with handicap betting advice.

Portland Trailblazers v Boston Celtics
The Trailblazers have slumped to 19-20 after losing 106-94 to Minnesota on Wednesday. Portland has really struggled on the road this year, winning just five times.

Sitting in 11th place in the Western Conference, the Trailblazers are in real danger of missing the playoffs. They really need to shoot the ball a lot better on the road to have a realistic chance of making the post-season.

The Celtics are 20-18 and playing some decent basketball. Paul Pierce and company understand, that unless they finish the second half of the season strongly they will miss the playoffs.

The should win here. Boston have owned Portland in recent years and have won seven in a row in this series on home soil. This is a telling statistic and they must be backed with the -3.5 handicap at around [2.0].

Los Angeles Lakers v Minnesota Timberwolves
The Lakers are 23-16 but have struggled on the road recently. On Wednesday they were stunned 106-101 by Washington. Kobe Bryant finished with 30 points but missed some crucial shots in the fourth quarter.

The Timberwolves are 21-19 and have won their last three. Minnesota is in eighth place in the Western Conference and is in with a real chance of making the playoffs. Forward Kevin Love has been on fire for the Timberwolves this season averaging 25.5 points per game.

The Lakers have won an incredible 17 straight over the Timberwolves .This is the longest active winning streak by one team over another. I think Los Angeles will extend the streak and should be backed at around [1.9] with the +1 handicap.

Cleveland Cavaliers v Oklahoma City Thunder
The Cavs are 14-23 and have little chance of making the playoffs.Kyrie Irving and Antawn Jamison are the backbone of this team but they desperately need some support.

The Thunder are 31-8 but have lost just one game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. This talented team is leading the Western Conference and is on course to secure the top seed. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are in sizzling form and have energy to spare. Westbrook is the most athletic point-guard I have ever seen and is a nightmare to defend.

Defeat is out of the question for Oklahoma City. They are the most talented team in the Western Conference and are trading at a generous [5.8] to win the NBA championship.
I think they will run up the score against Cleveland and should be backed at around [2.0] with the -13.5 handicap.

Recommended Wagers Friday
Back Boston Celtics at [2.0] with advertised handicap -3.5 2pts
Back Los Angeles Lakers at [1.9] with advertised handicap +1.5 1pt
Back Oklahoma City Thunder at [2.0] with advertised handicap -13.5 1pt