Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 24 April 2009 / Leave a comment

Nick Shiambouros has all the news from the first week of the NBA play-offs.

After a very shaky start to the play-offs the Boston Celtics came out swinging against Chicago on Thursday night beating the Bulls 107-86 on their home patch. This game was over at halftime after a scoring blitz led by Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo (pictured) gave them a 59-37 cushion.

The Bulls showed their inexperience by allowing the Celtics to make uncontested shots from the perimeter all night and they paid the price. This was a much better effort from Boston but I am sure the Bulls will make the necessary adjustments for a critical game four for both teams on Sunday.

The Miami Heat, led by Dwyane Wade roared back in to the series against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday with a 108-93 victory.

Wade scored the last 13 points for Miami in the first half and they went in to the locker room leading 54-41 at the half. There was more misery for Atlanta in the second half as Wade punished the Hawks from the perimeter and he ended the night with a total of 33 points. It was all smiles from Wade after the game as he was congratulated by his friend recording artist T.I., who was courtside to cheer him on. Game three is back in Miami on Saturday and as previously reported this series could go all the way.

The Orlando Magic evened the series with Philadelphia at a game apiece with a 96-87 victory but I was far from impressed with this display. The Magic almost blew an 18 point lead as the 76ers closed the deficit to five late in the game.

Orlando managed to close the game out when Rashard Lewis grabbed a huge offensive rebound and scored with less that 30 seconds left. This Orlando team is having to work very hard against a Philadelphia team that was not expected to win a single game. Local resident Tiger Woods was on hand to witness this scrappy win and at times looked anxious as the Magic faltered. I think the Magic will still win the series but they have to raise their game significantly to trouble a team like Cleveland.

The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Detroit on Friday evening leading the series 2-0. Cleveland are currently trading at [1.92] on the handicap (-4.5 points) which appears quite generous. Cleveland have taken the Pistons apart in the first two games and I really cant see why they wont do it again. Tayshaun Prince is now the latest Piston rumoured to be traded at the end of the season which means that almost the whole rotation is going to be replaced.

Over in the west the Los Angeles Lakers cruised to a 2-0 lead over the Utah Jazz and things are looking good for this team. The Lakers are healthy and playing at a high level and could have some time off if they sweep the Jazz in this series.

The Denver Nuggets have owned the New Orleans Hornets in the first two games and will be looking to make it 3-0 on Saturday in Louisiana. I really think the Hornets have a mountain to climb after losing the first two games.

Portland and Houston meet in Texas on Friday night with the series tied at one game apiece. The Trailblazers put up a big effort to win game two late on Tuesday with the great Brandon Roy scoring 42 points. This game could go either way so it is a no bet for me but it is well worth staying up late to see this pivotal game.

The San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks are tied at one game all in this high quality series and I think there is plenty of basketball left before this series is decided. I think the Spurs still hold the slight edge in this one and I am sticking to my original forecast of 4-2 in favour of San Antonio.

Recommended Wagers:

Friday, back Cleveland with the handicap (-4.5)