Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Bobcats 4/24

Orlando Magic -2

The Orlando Magic have been dominant in their opening series against the Charlotte Bobcats. Give the Bobcats credit, however, because many didn’t even expect them to be here. These two teams have very different missions in these games. While Orlando wants to win after their Finals loss in 2009, the Bobcats realize they are here for the experience. There is not much hope for the Bobcats in this series, as they are already down 2-0. In all likelihood, the Bobcats are either going to win one game or get swept. Either way, there are still a few games left to be played. Bettors might think that the Bobcats are due for a win Saturday, like they did with the Bulls in game three, but the Magic are still a much better team.

The Magic have secured 9 point and 15 point wins against the Bobcats in their first two match ups. On Saturday, the spread has dwindled to just 2 points in favor of the Magic. Considering the prior games, the Magic would be a very easy pick. When you take a look at how the other teams have played after moving back to their home court, however, it becomes obvious that home court is indeed very important. Nonetheless, the Orlando Magic are a much better team than Charlotte Bobcats. This is one of the bigger mismatches in the 2010 playoffs.

The best line is this game is quite clear. At only -2 points, the Magic should have little problem covering. If the line was closer to -6, it would be fairly easy to pass on the Magic. Home court advantage is definitely going to play a role, but the questions is whether it is going to be enough for the Bobcats to stay competitive. The Magic have veterans, a will to win, and an edge in every aspect imaginable, this should be a relatively easy cover for Orlando.

Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz 4/23

Denver Nuggets +2.5

Yes, this game is being played in Utah, and yes the Nuggets did struggle in game two. What a lot of bettors are forgetting, however, is that Denver was able to stage a very impressive comeback in game two. They showed poise and that they knew how to win in the face of adversity. Well, maybe they didn’t show that they know how to win, since they lost, but they made it close. Most people counted Denver out after the first half, but they kept fighting back and eventually they were right back in it. A lot of teams would have given up after facing such a large deficit, but not the Nuggets. This team needs to be given some extra points for their determination, and maybe Utah’s value should be reduced a bit after blowing such a large lead.

Game two was interesting and the Jazz were able to barely escape with a win. Game one, however, was solidly in favor of the Nuggets. If the Nuggets could have avoided a slow start in game two, this series could easily be 2-0. Instead, we sit at 1-1 before the tiebreaker on Friday night. Both teams head to Salt Lake, the first game of the series to be played outside of Denver. How will this effect the teams? Utah’s home court is known the exciting atmosphere. Its fans have watched playoff battles since the days of Malone and Jordan. It should be loud, but Denver’s veteran leadership can handle it. Home court is always an advantage, but it might be lost on players like Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups.

The best bet in this game is the Denver Nuggets against the spread. Being given 2.5 points is great for any Denver bettors, as they have a good chance to win this game. Even if it comes down to the wire and Utah manages to win another close game, there is a shot that 2.5 will be enough for a win. The moneyline shouldn’t be given too much consideration in this game, particularly if you are betting on the Nuggets. Denver should be able to win this game barring another slow start, and this is a relatively safe bet.

Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs 4/23

San Antonio Spurs -3.5

The Spurs and Mavericks are tied up at one game a piece, but this series has been dominated by the Spurs. While Dallas earned home court advantage, the Spurs were able to keep both games close. San Antonio coasted to an easy win in game two with a final score of 102-88, and their loss in game one was only by a few points, 94-100. Now the Spurs get to head back home with a chance to take a 2-1 series lead. The Mavericks are going to have a tough time keeping the ageless Spurs at bay, and they are lucky that the series is tied up heading into game three. If Dallas loses this game, the odds are that they are out in round one. They will only be down 2-1 if they lose the game, but with the way they have been playing, 2-1 might as well be the series.

Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili have been winning for years. No matter what obstacles they are faced with, they somehow come up with a win. 2010 was another great year for San Antonio, and you know that Duncan wants to add another ring to his collection. He is one of the biggest warriors in the NBA, and he does not want to let this series slip away. This team has a lot of heart, and it has to make any bettor feel a bit more comfortable.

There are many different angles in this game which should be considered. The over/under is interesting to consider, but it is lined up pretty much where it should be. The moneyline seems weighted a bit too much towards the Spurs, but not enough credit is being given to the Mavericks. The best play in this game is definitely the spread at -3.5 for the Spurs. They are heading home with a win under their belt and have veteran leadership. San Antonio has to know that they have the edge in this series. Betting on the Spurs is the best way to go in game three.

Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat 4/23

Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat (Over 182)

This series has been very interesting, to say the least. Miami should have won game won, but they managed to blow a sizable lead. Game two, however, was never even close. Boston dominated almost the entire game en route to an easy win. Points are going to be scored in this game, as the Heat are going to need to push it up and down the court to stay in the game. Wade can burn anyone and he loves to keep games fast paced. Michael Beasley needs to step up for the Heat, though, because Wade can’t win games all on his own.

This game is very tough to bet on either the spread or the moneyline. Miami has home court advantage for the first time in this opening round, but Miami shouldn’t be rocking like it was in the Boston Garden. It would not be surprising if Miami got crushed on Friday, but it also wouldn’t be a major shocker if the Heat kept it close the entire time. At the outset, this series looked like the most unlikely to go four and out, but now, it is very possible. If you are really tempted to bet on a winner here, take the Celtics moneyline, but it isn’t highly recommended.

The over/under should be relatively easy to cover in this game. Game two of this series hit 183 points, and that was a game where one team outscored the other by 30 points. If Miami can stay within shouting distance, there is no reason that the total couldn’t hit 200. It isn’t likely that the score gets this high, but it is far from impossible. If you look at game one, you are going to see that the total was only 161, but Miami really fizzled out and Boston got off to a slow start. If both teams can stay consistent in game three, this one should eclipse 182 with relative ease. This is the key, neither team getting off to slow starts or finishes.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Cincinnati Reds 4/22

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Cincinnati Reds -110 (Click Here for Best Line)

Vicente Padilla may not have done too poorly in his most recent outing against the San Francisco Giants, but he didn’t exactly impress either. He was on the brink of some major disasters, and barely escaped without completely blowing the game. His career is on a massive downslide, and bettors should be jumping on any opportunity to bet against him. Last time, Padilla faced the shaky and unreliable Todd Wellemeyer. On Thursday, however, Padilla needs to contend with the young Mike Leake. 2010 was the first year for Leake in the bigs, and he has impressed. In two games, Leake has maintained a 2.63 ERA. He looks to have secured a spot in the Cincinnati Reds rotation.

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Vicente Padilla has an ERA that tops 8. A few more hits in his last game and that number would be very inflated. It is deceptive to say the least, and that is not in a good way. Padilla has consistent issues when he takes the mound. It really is a surprise that he has been able to hold his spot in the rotation. In addition to his poor stats in 2010, Padilla has a career ERA of 4.26 against the Reds. Now, 4.26 isn’t “bad,” but it certainly isn’t good. He had traditionally dominated the Giants, his last opponent, but even then it was perfectly fine to bet against him. This game is not so much about the hitters, but whether Leake can stay on pace and if Padilla will continue to struggle.

Betting on Padilla’s team is never a good idea, even if he does have a lot of big hitters to back him up. At only -110 on the moneyline, the Cincinnati Reds leave a lot of room for profitability. The Dodgers hitters are unfamiliar with Mike Leake, and he could very well shut them down. Take the Cincinnati Reds and don’t be surprised if the Reds jump out to a massive lead early on.

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