NBA Weekend Betting: 'Complete' Celtics can hurt the Heat
Basketball 
/ Nick Shiambouros / 27 November 2009 / Leave a comment
Kevin Garnett can power the Celtics to another win
Nick Shiambouros picks the best bets from Thanksgiving weekend's NBA match-ups
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On Saturday evening the Cleveland Cavaliers play host to the in-form Dallas Mavericks who have won eight out their last ten games. In my opinion this is the game of the week and I cant wait to see Dirk Nowitzki go up against LeBron James. Nowitski has been on fire for Dallas lately and he will give the Cavs plenty to think about."
The Orlando Magic sent a strong message to the Atlanta Hawks on Thanksgiving evening with a 93-76 victory at the Philips Arena. The Magic were 12 points down at the half and looked in real trouble as a result of some very lethargic play.
Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy tore into his starters during the half time interval and they responded. Dwight Howard led the comeback and ended the night with 22 points and 17 rebounds. Vince Carter also got in on the act adding 21 valuable points.
This was the Hawks' first loss at home this season and they are now one game behind Orlando in the Eastern Conference.
In the second game on Thanksgiving night the Utah Jazz beat the Chicago Bulls 105-86 in a one sided affair. Carlos Boozer led the way for the Jazz scoring 28 points. This was the worst performance I have seen from Chicago all season and it was not worth staying up to see this dismal effort.
I believe it is not in the best interests of the players and the league to schedule games on Thanksgiving and Christmas day. I think it is very hard on the players who should be at home with their families at this time of the year. This Christmas day there are five games scheduled compared to one a few years ago. I think one game is more than enough to satisfy even my appetite.
That said, there is a full schedule this holiday weekend and there are some fantastic games to look forward to across the country.
On Saturday evening the Cleveland Cavaliers play host to the in-form Dallas Mavericks who have won eight out their last ten games. In my opinion this is the game of the week and I cant wait to see Dirk Nowitzki go up against LeBron James. Nowitski has been on fire for Dallas lately and he will give the Cavs plenty to think about.
This German-born forward did not play for his country during the off season, taking a well deserved rest to heal his body. This decision has paid dividends as he has looked very sharp in the early going. Nowitzki is one of the few players who can hurt Cleveland inside the paint and I think this could be the difference on Saturday.
My money will be on Dallas with the handicap in this mouth watering clash of two very talented teams.
The Boston Celtics travel to sunny Florida for a date with the Miami Heat on Sunday evening in an all Eastern Conference affair. Boston have an outstanding road record this season having only lost one game. The Celtics are a complete team and never give up whatever the score. Players like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are the ultimate professionals and play hard to the last second of every game. This is the main reason why this team is so successful on the road.
I think the Miami Heat will have their hands full on Sunday to contain this exceptional Boston team.
On a final note NBC included Kobe Bryant in a special People Of The Year show which aired on US television on Thanksgiving evening. I must admit I was slightly surprised that this Los Angeles guard was included in a list of the most talked about people of the year. I understood why Susan Boyle was on this elite list but I was not so sure about Kobe.
At the end of the day I am glad he was included because fans had a rare insight at what drives Bryant to play the gamel. Bryant has nothing left to prove and has four championships to his name. Many players have great talent but few have his passion for the game.
Recommended wagers:
Saturday back Dallas with advertised handicap
Sunday back Boston in the outright market