NBA Weekend Betting: Time for the Magic to send the Cavs a message

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 19 February 2010 / Leave a Comment

Can Dwight Howard send a message to Cleveland?

"I think the Oklahoma City Thunder are playoff bound and should take care of New York in an interesting matchup. The Knicks appear to have given up on the post-season by trading Robinson and I am sure the Thunder will take full advantage of this decision."

Nick Shiambouros is looking forward to Sunday's mega-clash between Orlando and Cleveland. Read his betting preview here

The Cleveland Cavaliers were beaten 118-116 by the Denver Nuggets in a huge upset on Thursday night. With less than two seconds left in overtime Carmelo Anthony buried a basket that stunned the home crowd and gave Denver the win. Cleveland were on a 13 game winning streak but the Nuggets thoroughly deserved this victory.

Cleveland found themselves in a shootout with Denver and as a result played right in to their hands. Denver ran the floor for most of the game as Cleveland abandoned their traditional half-court game.

There was another upset on Thursday as the Los Angeles Lakers were beaten 87-86 by the Boston Celtics. The Celtics led for most of the way with some inspired play from Ray Allen who scored 24 points. The Lakers were without Kobe Bryant again who is suffering with an ankle sprain. This was one of the best efforts I have witnessed from Boston for quite some time. I was impressed with their attitude and the victory will do their confidence the world of good.

There are some great games taking place this weekend after the All-Star break and a couple of decent betting opportunities.

On Saturday Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder travel to New York to face a new look Knick team. The Knicks traded Nate Robinson to Boston and signed Tracy McGrady from Houston. Clearly this move by New York is to make way for some big signings this summer as Robinson is not a player you trade easily.

The Thunder come in to this game in tremendous form having won seven games in a row. Television audiences around the world saw what a huge talent Durant is when he played in the All-Star game last weekend. Oklahoma has moved in to sixth place in the Western Conference and is a team on a mission.

I think the Oklahoma City Thunder are playoff bound and should take care of New York in this interesting game. The Knicks appear to have given up on the post-season by trading Robinson and I am sure the Thunder will take full advantage of this decision.

On Sunday the Orlando Magic host the Cavaliers in a nationally televised game. This is without doubt the game of the week featuring the two best teams in the East.

The Magic have one of the best home records in basketball having lost just five games all year. If Orlando is going to challenge Cleveland in the Conference then they need to send a strong message to the Cavs on Sunday. The Magic score heavily behind the three point line with players like Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis who have pinpoint accuracy. If the Magic can establish an early lead on Sunday it could spell trouble for Cleveland.

LeBron James, of course, will have plenty to say about the outcome but I think Orlando can cause the upset. The Cavaliers were a little sluggish against Denver on Thursday and may be vulnerable against a team like the Magic at the moment. This game will be very close but I just favour Orlando in this mouth watering affair.

On a final note Denver coach George Karl announced on Tuesday that he had neck and throat cancer. Karl will miss a few games while he undergoes an aggressive program of radiation and chemotherapy. Karl is optimistic about making a full recovery and leading the Nuggets in to the playoffs. My thoughts are with him and his family as he battles this terrible disease.

Recommended wagers:
Saturday back Oklahoma with advertised handicap
Sunday back Orlando with advertised handicap