NBA Weekend Betting: Championship contenders to the fore

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 12 March 2010 / Leave a Comment

Deron Williams - the best point guard in the game?

"Things could not be more competitive in both Conferences. There are a host of teams that have a legitimate chance of winning the title but only two dominate the betting. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers are both currently trading at [3.45] for the NBA championship. This hardly represents value in this super competitive year."

Nick Shiambouros updates us on the NBA scene ahead of an intriguing weekend of b-ball action

The most eye-catching performance of the week came from Orlando Magic who took the Chicago Bulls apart 111-82 with a comprehensive display on Thursday evening. The Magic had this game won at half-time when they led by a score of 65-33.It was good to see Vince Carter finally hit form for Orlando scoring 23 points.

This was the seventh win in a row for Orlando and they are peaking at the right time for the play-offs. The Magic are only 4.5 games behind Cleveland in the East and they have not given up hope of catching their arch rivals.

Over in the Western Conference the Dallas Mavericks won their 13th game in a row beating New Jersey 96-87 with another dominant display. Jason Kidd was on fire for Dallas scoring 20 points. I have really been impressed with Kidd this season and he has played a big part in the the success of this Dallas team. The Mavericks are only 2.5 games behind Los Angeles in the West and have a real chance of catching them if they continue to play at this level.

There are some very important games taking place this weekend as we enter the latter stages of this long season.

On Sunday the Cleveland Cavaliers host the disappointing Boston Celtics in a nationally televised game. Boston were beaten 111-91 by Memphis on their home floor on Wednesday evening. This was one of the worst performances I have seen all year from the Celtics. I was truly amazed at the lack of intensity from this team, especially in front of their home crowd.

I think LeBron and company will easily dispose of the Celtics on Sunday and I make the Cavaliers my best bet of the week. Cleveland need to win this game to maintain their cushion over a resurgent Orlando Magic. I am sure they will not disappoint.

Later on Sunday the Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Utah Jazz in a Western Conference match-up .The Thunder have soared to fifth place in the West led by the brilliant Kevin Durant and there is no doubt in my mind that Oklahoma will be a factor in the post-season.

The Jazz come in to this game in fourth place in the West 2.5 games ahead of the Thunder. Deron Williams is playing very well for Utah and is averaging over 18 points per game. In my opinion he's currently the best point guard in the NBA and he will give Oklahoma plenty to think about on Sunday.

I think this will be a very close run affair but I just favour Oklahoma in this one. I think the scoring ability of Kevin Durant may just tip the scales in favour of the home team.

As we enter the latter stages of the season things could not be more competitive in both Conferences. There are a host of teams that have a legitimate chance of winning the title but only two dominate the betting. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers are both currently trading at [3.45] for the NBA championship. This hardly represents value in this super competitive year.

Recommended wagers:
Sunday back Cleveland with advertised handicap
Sunday back Oklahoma with advertised handicap