NBA Betting – Spurs continue tough stretch against red-hot Cavs

Take a break from your March Madness odds for a minute, and check out what San Antonio has to go through to try and wrap up their spot in the NBA playoffs: first, they hosted the Lakers on Wednesday, then on Friday, the Spurs will go up against Cleveland, before Sunday’s trip to Boston. That’s three of the league’s top seven teams in five days, a tough ask of anyone in the league.

Cavaliers vs Spurs odds – Friday, March 26, 8:30 PM ET

The Cavaliers pulled away from New Orleans with a strong third quarter on Wednesday, outscoring them 35-23 in a 105-92 win on the road. LeBron James shot 15-of-22 from the field, going for 38 points, while adding nine assists and six boards for the Cavaliers, who shot 57.1% from the floor, and they are now reworking Zydrunas Ilgauskas back into the lineup. The big center was involved in the Antawn Jamison deal from Washington, but he was bought out and allowed to return to Cleveland, who selected “Big Z” back in the 1996 draft. With Shaquille O’Neal still injured, it helps to have another big body in the lineup, and it doesn’t hurt that Ilgauskas already knows their system.

The Spurs fell just short in a 92-83 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers at home on Wednesday, as Manu Ginobili and George Hill combined for 45 points. The problem is, no one else scored more than Roger Mason’s nine points, and sportsbook players will be on the lookout for a return to health from Tony Parker. Tim Duncan had 12 boards, six assists and three assists, but he was held to six points on 2-of-11 shooting.

The Spurs should be favored by sportsbook odds (sportsbook reviews) at home in San Antonio, where the Cavaliers have lost seven of their last 10, although they have won their last two trips there. These two met in Cleveland on March 8th, with the Cavaliers escaping with a 97-95 win, and that was without James, who had a sprained ankle. Six players reached double figures for the Cavaliers, led by 17 points each from Jamison and Mo Williams, while Ginobili exploded for 38 points in a losing effort for the Spurs. The Cavaliers have won nine in a row heading into this game, and James is averaging 28.6 points, 8.8 assists and 8.2 boards in his last five outings. The Spurs are going to have to find a way to contain him, or at least slow him down, take away his options. The Cavaliers’ supporting cast must make some shots against the Spurs, who have some offensive problems of their own. San Antonio has scored more than 100 points just four times in 13 games with Parker on the sideline, and the offense is idling. Go with Cleveland on the road before checking out your college basketball odds.

March Madness Preview: West Virginia vs. Morgan State

College Basketball Betting is at its peak during March Madness. This week, as the NCAA tournament gets underway, you can expect betting analysts to be picking apart each and every game. The first round of the NCAA tournament is packed with exciting games. One game of note is between Big East champion West Virginia and MEAC champion Morgan State. Both teams are rolling into the tournament on hot streaks and neither can be underestimated in this game. Here is a preview for the opening round matchup between West Virginia and Morgan State.

West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Morgan State Bears

Friday March 19, 12:15PM (ET)

March Madness 2010 Odds: NO LINE YET

West Virginia enters this game as the number 2 seed in the East Region after finishing the season 13-5 in conference play and 27-6 overall. West Virginia surprised some in the basketball world by winning the strong Big East title over contenders including Syracuse, Villanova, and Georgetown. The Morgan State Bears are a low 15 seed in the NCAA tournament, but should not be counted out. They will play hard in this game after completing an impressive season that included a MEAC championship, a 15-1 conference record, and a 27-9 record overall.

What the West Virginia Mountaineers need to do to win

March Madness Contest Odds: NO LINE YET

Stay out of foul trouble: Emotions will be high entering the first game of the NCAA tournament. For West Virginia, they need to focus on the ultimate prize and stick to their game. The feisty team from Morgan State will likely enter this game aggressively battling for every loose ball. West Virginia needs to avoid foul problems and let their big players dominate the game.

Give the ball to Da’Sean Butler: The Morgan State Bears don’t have anyone on their roster capable of shutting down Da’Sean Butler. The West Virginia Mountaineers need to keep the ball in the hands of their big scorer and let him dictate the play. Averaging more than 17 points per game this season and after putting in a dominating performance in the Big East tournament, Butler is poised for a huge NCAA tournament. If the Morgan State Bears do decide to double team Butler, Kevin Jones and Devin Ebanks should still be able to carry the Mountaineers into round two.

What the Morgan State Bears need to do to win

Pay Per Head Sportsbook: NO LINE YET

Play tight defence and keep their emotions in check: Morgan State enters this game as an extreme underdog to advance to round two. One issue in Morgan State’s game all season has been their lapses in defence. The Bears have allowed, on average, more than 70 points per game this season. This compares to the Mountaineers 63 points against. Morgan State must focus on maintaining possession whenever possible which will start with Kevin Thompson and his 12 rebounds per game.

Morgan State must also keep their emotions in check after they decided to dedicate the game to their ill teammate Anthony Anderson who is battling leukemia. The Bears need to keep their emotions in check and will rely heavily on top scorer Reggie Holmes. The Bears face an extreme uphill battle in this game, but anything can happen in March Madness basketball.

NBA Betting – Surprising teams meet in Charlotte

NCAA basketball betting players are well aware of Oklahoma City, as their rotation is filled with players that could be still participating in the NCAA Tournament, but they’re playing their trade in the NBA, and they’re making a surprising push for homecourt in the playoffs. The Thunder will head to Charlotte

on Wednesday, and the Bobcats aren’t that far behind in their own race for homecourt in the postseason, and they’re excellent on their home floor.

Thunder vs Bobcats odds – Wednesday, March 17, 7:00 PM ET

The Thunder have won five in a row and eight of their last 10 overall, and they shot a blistering 60% from the field in a 119-11 win over Utah on Sunday. Kevin Durant continued his torrid season with 35 points, while Russell Westbrook had 30 points and 11 assists for the Thunder, who had all of their starters score at least 30 points. Durant (Texas), Westbrook (UCLA), Jeff Green (Georgetown) and James Harden (Arizona State) have all played in the Tournament over the last four years, and they could draw off that experience to raise their game for the stretch run.

The Bobcats were further down the online betting scale coming into the season, but after a 96-69 win at Orlando on Sunday, Charlotte was five games behind Boston in the race for homecourt advantage in the playoffs. Stephen Jackson led the way with 28 points for the Bobcats, who won their sixth game in a row, and they outrebounded the Magic 46-34. Defense is what has gotten the Bobcats this far, as they’ve held every opponent on this six-game winning streak under 100 points.

Charlotte should be favored in this contest according to sportsbook odds (bodog reviews), but they’ll have to travel from Charlotte to Indiana to face the Pacers on Tuesday night. These two have met just once this year, with the Thunder coming away with a 96-91 win at home over the Bobcats on Boxing Day. Durant dropped 30 points for the Thunder, who outrebounded the Bobcats 48-36 and shot 47% from the floor. You’ll probably see Jackson on Durant in a matchup that will be fun to watch, but the Thunder bench has lost a little as Harden is out with a hamstring injury. But for being such a young team, the Thunder are a very good team on the road, and they’ve been off since beating the Jazz on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Bobcats could be fatigued, so look for Oklahoma City to push the pace. Bet on the Thunder away from home before making your March Madness betting picks.

Premier League Betting - Man U v Fulham

Bukomir's Predictions

Barclays Premier League
14 March, 2010


Man U v Fulham
ko 13:30GMT
Having such a game at Trafford on the menu means punters are forced to search for a shocking exit if they want to squeeze any money out of it. Victory would see Fulham become only the fourth club in Premier League history to win three successive games against Manchester United but this is a pure madness we all should agree. I have browsed the markets and a low scoring affair here offers great value for your money.
United are in great form and Milan were the last to find that conceding 4 in the midweek Champions League game. However the visitors look also in their finest as Fulham have lost only one of their last six league games. Both teams had a midweek action and will start this one with the idea to shoot quickly and hold an easy win with minimum effort.
When you have Rooney at home it is a big risk to bet on Under but I will take this shot as Fulham can build a wall in their back line and if they manage to hold the Devils for the frst 30 minutes it will become a severe battle for every inch on the pitch.
Carick is back for United and this will make the midfiled more secure for the home side but on the other corner we have Dempsey back which means creativity added to Fulham's squad.


Bet selection:
Take the Under 2.5 Goals option and earn a huge price of 2.20 offered by bet365

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NBA Betting – Suns look to pile more pressure on Lakers

Sportsbook players have been watching the Los Angeles Lakers go through a rough patch in the season, although they escaped with a win in their last game. On Friday, the Lakers will head to Phoenix to face a Suns squad that has won eight of their last 10, and they’ve phenomenal at home this year.

Lakers vs Suns odds – Friday, March 12, 9:00 PM ET

The Lakers (47-18) narrowly avoided a fourth straight loss with a 109-107 win over Toronto at home on Tuesday, and they needed yet another game-winning shot from Kobe Bryant, over a double-team, no less. Bryant had 32 points on the night for the Lakers, while Andrew Bynum was next with 22 points for the young center’s best game in weeks. The Lakers made just three of their 15 attempts from beyond the arc, but they were aggressive in getting to the foul line, making 36 of their 44 attempts.

The Suns (40-25) have been off since a 113-105 win over Indiana at home last Saturday night, and the Suns manhandled the Pacers on the boards with a 58-44 edge. Amare Stoudamire had 30 points, while Jason Richardson added 20 points and 10 boards, and they may need him on the glass more against the Lakers as Phoenix will be without Channing Frye, who was suspended for throwing punches with Indiana’s Danny Granger. The Suns held the Pacers to 37.6% from the field, and they went to the foul line 40 times, making 34.

US sportsbook odds (US sportsbook reviews) should favor the Suns at home, where they are 24-8. The Lakers have won seven of their last 10 against the Suns, but they’ve dropped seven of their last 10 in the desert. The Lakers have won two of three against the Suns this season, with Bryant averaging 29.7 points and 6.0 rebounds against the Suns, while Stoudamire has averaged 17.3 points for Phoenix. The Lakers have been called out for a lack of toughness, particularly Pau Gasol, and this would be a good game for them to flex their muscles as the defending NBA champions. Phoenix has a worry about Steve Nash, who has been battling an abdomen injury lately, but the Suns are still rolling with Nash at less than 100%. The Lakers seem to be having problems getting Bryant back into the lineup after going 4-1 without him, but a few days of practice and some momentum for a win they probably didn’t deserve has to be good for their confidence. But the interior defenders, Gasol and Bynum, have to be tougher on Friday, especially against Stoudamire, who has been playing out of his mind since the trade deadline. Take the Suns on Friday before you look at some odds on college basketball on Saturday.

NBA Betting – Grizzlies-Celtics Preview

The Memphis Grizzlies had such a bright start to the 2009 season but they have been skating downhill ever since. They were five games over .500 on February 1^st and were competing for a playoff spot in the Western Conference playoff race.

But they have been subpar since, winning just seven of their last 17 games and falling far behind in the playoff race.

The biggest culprit has been their young team and their draft class. The Grizzlies have never been this competitive this far into a season and while they were very fresh to start the year, they clearly lacked the depth to maintain it.

And when their front line players hit the wall, their depth was nowhere to be found.

Most of that depth is supposed to be comprised of their draft class but that group of players has been a big bust. No. 2 overall pick, Hasheem Thabeet, hasn’t been much of a contributor at all. As a matter of fact, he was sent down to the Developmental League because he was just taking up space on the Grizzlies bench.

Meanwhile, Sam Young and DeMarre Carroll have played like second-round picks: inconsistent.

On Wednesday, they’ll be in tough in Boston against the Celtics.

Memphis Grizzlies @ Boston Celtics

Sportsbook Odds: Celtics -8

The main focus when it comes to basketball this week is the college hard courts as the March Madness betting season is upon us.

But the focus in Boston will be the Celtics as the tricky Grizzlies visit.

The Grizzlies have the injury bug and that could be a problem for them. They will be going up against a tough frontcourt that includes Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins, Rasheed Wallace and Glen Davis, and they may be without their All-Star, Zach Randolph.

Randolph is day-to-day with a back injury and the Grizz may be without another key member, Ronnie Brewer, as he is out nursing a hamstring injury.

The Celtics have some chemistry issues that they are dealing with and clearly, they are no longer a championship contender, but they are still a very good team. The Celtics play solid defense – something that the Grizzlies struggle to do – and that is going to be an issue.

Look for the Celtics to put the clamps down on the shorthanded Grizzlies and get a good win at home on Wednesday.

NBA Friday Preview

This Friday on national television we get to watch the electrifying and jaw dropping LeBron James beat up on a weak Pistons team. The way James has been playing seems like an endless highlight reel with no look passes, mega blocks and thunderous dunks every night he steps on the floor. Regardless of the obvious outcome, just having a chance to watch LeBron play is a gift at this point, at least to everyone except the Pistons faithful at the Quicken Loans arena Friday night.

Detroit Pistons (21-40, 13th in Eastern Conference) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (47-14, 1st in the Eastern Conference)

NBA Odds (*note lines are approximations as they have not been posted at the time of writing)

Bookmaker Review

Spread: Cavaliers – 14

Over/Under: 196

Money Line: Cavaliers -850, Pistons +575

Key Storylines

Bronze Medal: How will the Cavs approach this game without a true center?

The Cavs lost Shaquille O’Neal for 6-8 weeks due to thumb surgery. At the trade deadline, to make deals work, they shipped Zydrunas Ilgauskas off but he did not report and was released. The Cavs will likely bring him back on after the 30 day wait period for returning players from a trade is up later this month. Without either center, the Cavs seemingly haven’t lost a beat. In fact, you can make the argument that they are improved. LeBron can now run the court and take full advantage of his speed. J.J. Hickson and Anderson Varaejo have stepped in to the big man roll and it has been not a problem for either. The Pistons may be without center Ben Wallace and have to rely upon Kwame Brown and Jason Maxiell in this game.

Advantage: Cavs

Silver Medal: Can the Pistons run the court with the Cavs?

The Pistons have a plethora of shooters on the team; Rip Hamilton, Ben Gordon, Tayshaun Prince, Joans Jerebko, Charlie Villaneuva and Rodney Stuckey. The only problem is none of them are very good shooters. The Pistons have no one over 34% shooting threes on the entire team. They will need to hit a high percentage of their shots to keep up with the transition game of the Cavs. As we saw last year when the Magic rained threes down on the Cavs to knock them out of the playoffs, that good perimeter shooting can beat this team. The Pistons unfortunately are a bad perimeter shooting team, and they will not be able to compete down low with the Cavs either.

Advantage: Cavs

Gold Medal: Can LeBron be stopped, on National TV?

The answer is no, no one can stop LeBron this year, especially with the spotlight on him. His supporting cast is better than it was last year through experience and development rather than because of additions to the team. LeBron can put up a 30-point triple-double on any given night and will probably get one here against the lowly Pistons. LeBron also likes to show off when given the spotlight so expect a big night from the reigning MVP.

Advantage: Cavs

Sportsbook Review: Prediction

This will be a one-sided affair with the Cavaliers dominating throughout.

Final: Cavs 109 – Pistons 86. Take the Cavs; beware of the Over/under.

NBA Odds – Jazz, Suns set for West Coast showdown on Thursday

The NBA odds for Thursday’s late game between Utah and Phoenix in the desert should tip the scales towards the Suns’ way, but the Jazz will be ready and rested for their meeting with Phoenix, while the Suns will be playing the second half of a back-to-back.

Jazz vs Suns odds – Thursday, March 4, 10:30 PM ET

The Jazz (38-22) will play six of their next seven games on the road, and that stretch got off to a bad start as they fell 108-104 to the Clippers in Los Angeles on Monday. Six Jazz players reached double figures, led by Carlos Boozer’s 20 points, while Deron Williams had 13 points and 13 assists, but the Jazz fell behind early and found themselves digging out of a hole. The Jazz did hit the offensive glass hard, snatching 15 offensive boards, and they forced 19 turnovers, but a 10-point halftime deficit is always tough to come back from on the road, even against the Clippers.

The Suns (38-24 as of Wednesday) will also have to make a trip to Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Wednesday night, but prior to that, Phoenix had won seven of their last 10 games, including a 101-85 win at home over Denver on Monday night. Amare Stoudamire and Grant Hill had 19 points each and combined for 18 rebounds, while Steve Nash chipped in with 11 points and 10 assists while steering an offense that had six players in double figures. The Suns held a 46-36 edge on the boards, including 17-11 on the offensive glass. But the key was their reserves, who outscored the Nuggets’ bench players 37-4. We’re betting management is hoping for play like that from the subs on a more regular basis.

The Suns should be the sportsbook favorites at home, where they are 23-7 this year. These two Western Conference teams have met just once this year, and the Jazz came away with a 124-115 win over Phoenix at home on January 25^th. Andrei Kirilenko stepped up with 25 points, while Carlos Boozer was a monster with 21 points and 20 boards. Stoudamire had just 16 points and five rebounds for the Suns, who got a surprising 32 points from Goran Dragic on 10-of-13 shooting. The Suns should have the edge at home, but the Jazz have been off since Monday, and the Suns have to travel from Los Angeles back home on Wednesday night, and then play a rested Utah team. In addition, the Suns had lost 18 straight games on TNT before beating Dallas back in January, and they’ll get a chance to begin another streak on Thursday.

Internet sports betting pick: Utah

NBA Wednesday Preview

This Wednesday, two teams that are fighting an uphill battle for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference will square-off on Bourbon Street

where the New Orleans Hornets play host to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Memphis Grizzlies (30-30, 11th in Western Conference) @ New Orleans Hornets (31-30, 10th in Western Conference)

NBA odds (*note lines are approximations as they have not been posted at the time of writing)

Bookmaker Review

Spread: New Orleans -3

Over/Under: 204

Money Line: New Orleans -150, Memphis +120

Positional Matchups

PG: Mike Conley vs. Darren Collison

Mike Conley is a steadily improving young point guard. In his third year out of Ohio State, Conley has averaged just over 10 points and 5 assists a game. The Grizzlies have a lot of ball handlers on the team and play a lot of isolation and post up games so Conley’s assist total may be misleading of his performance. Conley has improved his assist total every year and his three point shooting has followed suit (43%, 149 attempts).

Darren Collison has filled in remarkably for injured All-Star and team leader, Chris Paul. While Paul heals up from minor knee surgery, the rookie 2nd round pick has caught the brunt of the minutes and has performed better than anyone but maybe Collison himself has expected. Starting for the whole month of February, Collison averaged 21.6 points, 8.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds a game. That is hardly a performance expected out of a rookie second round pick. What is expected however is the 4.8 turnovers a game that Collison also averaged.

Conley is good and improving and Collison seems to be a real steal for the Hornets, especially if Paul leaves via free agency after his contract is up. Collison is asked to do a lot for the Hornets and Conley is not the type of guy who can stop him consistently.

Advantage: Hornets

SG: O.J. Mayo vs. Marcus Thornton

O.J. Mayo is an emerging talent in the NBA in his second season. Mayo has averaged 17.7 points with just over 3 rebounds and assists a game. Mayo is a 38% three point shooter but is becoming known as a great defender with his athletic 6-4 frame. Mayo is coming off a poor performance against the Trail Blazers Monday when he had 9 points and 4 turnovers.

Marcus Thornton is another rookie second round pick (drafted by Miami) that has been a shot in the arm for New Orleans this year. In February, Thornton averaged 18.8 points with 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists while missing four games due to injury early in the month. Thornton’s defense is very raw and can be exploited if attempted.

Thornton will have a real test in O.J. Mayo defensively in this game. If Mayo decides to spend a lot of time driving on Thornton in this game, it may be a big day for Mayo and a long night for Thornton.

Advantage: Grizzlies

SF: Rudy Gay vs. Peja Stojakovic

Rudy Gay has been an enigmatic player in both his college and NBA career. His offensive skill is elite but his shooting is just average mainly because of his below average three-point shooting (32.6%) and insistence on taking them (144 attempts). Gay has the reputation of being a lazy defender and a bad decision maker with poor shot selection. Gay really is a great midrange player and is explosive going to the hoop which he should do much more of. Still, Gay averages 20.2 points and 5.8 rebounds a game and has to be accounted for when on the floor.

Peja Stojakovic is on a noticeable decline now at age 32. The once great Yugoslovian was never a great defender, but is a liability now. He has always been known for being a great shooter but now is just above average at best (38.5% 3PT, 41% FG).

Although Peja may get some open looks on Gay, Gay should have the better game as he is far more athletic and has a crazy wingspan. Gay can hit all of those crazy shots he takes, and if he’s on he can be unstoppable, much like Vince Carter in that way. Peja will offer little resistence.

Advantage: Grizzlies

PF: Zach Randolph vs. David West

Zeebo has had a tremendous season after finally escaping the disaster that is the New York Knicks. After watching Zach play with no effort whatsoever for years it surprised a lot of people, but really pisses off a lot of Knicks fans… like me. Zach has averaged 20.6 points and 11.9 rebounds a game but the real improvement has been the incredible tenacity on the offensive boards where Zach gets 4.4 a game, a career high. Zach was an all-star this year to further irritate all remaining Knicks fans. Can’t really blame Zeebo I guess, the Knicks were a train-wreck…are…just counting down those days to LeBron hitting free agency…yeah, so…

David West has put up another solid year but has seen his scoring and rebounds slip a little from last year. West’s ability to both bang down low and hit the 18-20 footers that stretch the defense. West had a 40 point 10 rebound night in a win against Orlando last week and if left alone, can do that again.

Expect these two Power forwards to have an epic battle with both having a big impact on the game.

Advantage: Even

C: Marc Gasol vs. Emeka Okafor

Marc Gasol has impressed in his second year in the NBA. Slimming down in the offseason, Gasol has been a big reason for the Grizzlies success. He has averaged 15 points and 9.4 rebounds a game. Gasol’s low post game is improving and has showed much of the talent that has made his Brother the All-Star that he is.

Emeka Okafor was once a second overall pick the NBA Draft and was debated about being the top pick over Dwight Howard at the time. That all seems foolish now as Emeka has proved to be just an average center that can handle undersized and lesser athletes but not much more than that. Howard abused Okafor last week in te Hornets win, but that was in large part of what David West did, rather than anything Okafor did.

Gasol is a top athlete, but has the size and scoring ability that Okafor will have trouble with. Okafor brings next to nothing offensively.

Advantage: Grizzlies

Prediction:

The Grizzlies are a better team than New Orleans without Chris Paul in the lineup. New Orleans will get an added boost from playing at home, but they have lost four of their last five. Both teams are on the outside looking at the playoff picture and oth need this game. Expect to see Memphis take this one over the young backcourt of the Hornets.

Final: Memphis 108 – New Orleans 99.

Sportsbook Review: Take Memphis and the over.