NBA Line Betting: Back wins for Magic, Hawks and Thunder

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 23 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Another win for Atlanta and forward Joe Johnson?

"Atlanta will surprise a few people in the post-season. They are a hard working team that does not give away many cheap points. They should have way too much game for New Jersey and should be backed with the -8 handicap at around [2.0]."

The race for the post-season is really heating up as this exciting season continues. Nick Shiambouros looks at three upcoming games with handicap betting advice.

Cleveland Cavaliers v Orlando Magic
The Cavs are 17-27 and have virtually no chance of making the playoffs. On Wednesday they suffered a 103-102 overtime loss to Atlanta. Rookie sensation Kyrie Irving scored 29 points and was the most effective player on the floor.

But it's no good scoring at one end if you let them in at the other. Cleveland really need to tighten things up on the defensive end of the floor to have a chance against Orlando. They are allowing 104.6 points per game over their last 12. This will not get the job done at this level.

The Magic are 30-18 and have the third best record in the Eastern Conference. On Wednesday they thrashed Phoenix 103-93 with a dominant display of basketball.

Orlando hasve owned Cleveland recently and will be aiming for an eighth consecutive victory. This statistic is impossible to overlook and they should be backed with the -9 handicap at around [1.9].

New Jersey Nets v Atlanta Hawks
The Nets are 15-33 and have no chance of making the playoffs. They have lost four in a row and are looking like a team that has had enough for the season. Point guard Deron Williams is the backbone of this team and is averaging 22.1 points per game. The Nets will do everything in their power to keep him next year.

The Hawks are 27-20 and are in sixth place in the East. Atlanta have had their fair share of injuries this season but they have shown tremendous resilience. Forward Joe Johnson has been on fire for the Hawks and is averaging 19 points per game.

Atlanta will surprise a few people in the post-season. They are a hard working team that does not give away many cheap points. They should have way too much game for New Jersey and should be backed with the -8 handicap at around [2.0].

Minnesota Timberwolves v Oklahoma City Thunder
The Timberwolves are 23-25 but still have a realistic chance of making the playoffs. They are only three games behind Phoenix who currently hold the eighth seed in the West.

Forward Kevin Love has been in sensational form this season and is averaging 25.9 points per game. Love can score from almost anywhere on the court and is bound to make his presence felt in this game.

The Thunder are 35-12 and have the best record in the West. On Wednesday they crushed the Los Angeles Clippers 114-91. This young team is cruising in to the post-season where they are expected to make the Conference finals at the very least.

Oklahoma signed veteran guard Derek Fisher for the rest of the season after Houston bought out his contract and made him a free agent. Fisher brings a great deal to the table having won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. He knows how to win and is not afraid to take the last shot when it matters.

The Thunder should easily dispose of Minnesota and should be backed with the -10.5 handicap at around [2.0].

Recommended Bets
Back Orlando Magic at [1.9] with advertised handicap -9.5 1pt
Back Atlanta Hawks at [2.0] with advertised handicap -8.5 2pts
Back Oklahoma City Thunder at [2.0] with advertised handicap -10.5 1pt