NBA Weekend Betting: Vital Sunday for two playoff contenders

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 29 January 2010 / Leave a Comment

Kenyon Martin has stepped up for Denver in Carmelo Anthony's absence

"Denver travel to San Antonio on Sunday in a nationally televised game. This is definitely one of the biggest match-ups of the week in the West. As always the Spurs will be difficult to beat on their home floor, but I think the Nuggets may have the edge in this one."

Nick Shiambouros has a pair of bets in this weekend's NBA match-ups

The Boston Celtics once again fell behind in the Eastern Conference when beaten 96-94 by the Orlando Magic in a thrilling finish on Thursday evening. The Celtics had an 11 point lead at half-time but the Magic exploited some poor defensive play and snatched the victory in the last minute. The Celtics were bitterly disappointed leaving the floor as they knew they should have closed the door on this resilient Orlando team.

Kevin Garnett had another quiet game as he tries to play himself back in to the team on his return from a knee injury. As previously reported, this team will struggle without a healthy Garnett.
　
The Cleveland Cavaliers thrashed the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday 109-95 with another dominant display. The Cavs extended their lead in the Eastern Conference to six games over Boston and have really found their best stride. This was their sixth win in a row and they are playing at a very high level at the moment.
　
Over in the West, the Los Angeles Lakers lead the Conference by 3.5 games after beating the Indiana Pacers 118-96 on Wednesday evening. The Lakers are in the middle of an eight game road trip which ends on Monday against Memphis.

The Denver Nuggets have recaptured their good early season form and made it eight wins in a row after beating Houston 97-92 in Texas on Wednesday. The Nuggets have been without Carmelo Anthony for the last two games so this victory was all the more impressive. It was good to see other players like JR Smith and Kenyon Martin pick up the slack for this talented Denver team in this impressive victory.
　
Denver travel to San Antonio on Sunday in a nationally televised game. This is definitely one of the biggest match-ups of the week in the West. As always the Spurs will be difficult to beat on their home floor, but I think the Nuggets may have the edge in this one.

This Denver team is only 3.5 games behind the Lakers in the West and have a record of 18-8 in Conference games. I have really been impressed with the attitude shown by Denver this season particularly on the defensive end of the floor. They do not give up many cheap points these days and are far more resilient than they were a couple of years ago.

The Spurs have lost a little intensity recently, losing five out the last ten games and it looks like point guard Tony Parker will not take the floor on Sunday due to a sprained ankle. This will be a huge blow for the Spurs if he does not start, but either way my cash will be on the Nuggets.
　
Oklahoma City host a disappointing Golden State Warriors on Sunday in a vital game for the Thunder. Oklahoma have lost a little ground in the West but should easily take care of the Warriors in this one. Kevin Durant and company are still very much in the playoff race and I fully expect them to run up the score on their home floor.

The Warriors have a shocking road record and have only won four games all year long.
　
Recommended wagers:
Sunday back Denver with advertised handicap
Sunday back Oklahoma with advertised handicap