Boston +7 (-110)
Los Angeles -7 (-110)
Over/Under 187

The Los Angeles Lakers host the Boston Celtics for the final and deciding Game 7 of their best-of-seven series in the 2010 NBA Finals on Thursday with tip off at 9:00 P.M. (ET).

After six games between these two storied franchises it all comes down to just one more to decide which team will be this year’s World Champion. If Boston can find a way to win one more on the road, they would extend their current NBA record to 18 titles in team history and their second in three years. If Los Angeles successfully defends their home court, it would be their 16th title in franchise history and their second in a row after winning it all last year.

Both teams have looked completely dominant as well as completely overwhelmed in this series so far as the most aggressive team on both sides of the ball has come away will relatively decisive wins in each of the first six games. Each team has won two games at home as the favorite and one on the road as an underdog. Los Angeles has won their three games by an average margin of 14 points with the closest one being their seven point 91-84 win in Game 3. Boston has won their three games by an average of 7.3 points with the closest one being a six point 92-86 win in Game 5.

Defense has been the name of the game in this series as each team has only scored over 100 points once; LA in Game 1 and Boston in Game 2. The final four games have all stayed well under the total line and there is no reason to think that will change in Game 7. For the series Boston has shot 43.7% from the field and 29.7% from three point range. They have averaged 37.5 rebounds and 88.5 points per game. In almost a mirror image, Los Angeles has shot 43.5 % from the field and 29.5% from three point range. They have averaged 40.7 rebounds and 91.8 points giving them the slight edge. The trick to interpreting these stats is to understand that each team has been way over and way under all these averages in various games in this series. While the series may be tied at three games apiece, the individual games have not really been that close.

As expected, Kobe Bryant is the leading scorer for LA; averaging 29.5 points per game. He is also averaging 6.8 rebounds and 4.16 assists. Pau Gasol is the only other Laker to average in double figures with 18.5 points per game and he has added 10.5 rebounds as well. Boston has been a bit more balanced in their scoring with Paul Pierce leading the way with 18 points per game. Kevin Garnett has averaged 15 per game and Ray Allen has averaged 14.8. Rajon Rondo is the fourth Celtic in double figures with 13.5 points per game.

If Boston is to have any chance to win they will need to force Bryant to beat them on his own by once again using an aggressive style of play that takes the rest of the Lakers out of the picture. All three of his best games statistically in this series have resulted in a loss. For Los Angeles to win they need one more big effort from Gasol and Ron Artest on both sides of the ball. Along with Bryant’s usual contribution, when these three guys are at the top of their game this team in almost impossible to beat, especially at home.

You work all season to earn home court advantage in the finals and this is when it pays off. LA is 11-1 SU in their last 12 at home and 4-2 SU against Boston in their last six played in LA. While only six teams in the history of the NBA have overcome a 3-2 deficit to win it all, after Thursday night that number will be seven.

Boston Celtics Betting Trends:

• Boston is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games
• Boston is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends:

• LA Lakers are 13-5 SU in their last 18 games
• LA Lakers are 11-1 SU in their last 12 games at home
• LA Lakers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Boston

With three games in the books, this dream matchup of two of the most storied franchises in the history of the NBA is living up to everyone’s expectations. The Western Conference Champion Los Angeles Lakers won Game 3 on Tuesday night and have taken a 2-1 edge over the Eastern Conference Champion Boston Celtics with Game 4 set to tip off on Thursday night at 9:00 P.M.

By virtue of the better regular season record the Lakers earned the home court advantage for this best-of-seven series. Unlike the first three rounds of the playoffs which utilized a 2-2-1-1 format, the finals use a 2-3-2 format for determining where the games are played.

In Game 1 LA came out firing on all cylinders; beating Boston by 13 points to win 102-89. Favored by 5 ½ points, the Lakers held the Celtics to just one three pointer on 10 attempts and outrebounded them 42-31. Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 30 points and Pau Gasol added 23 points and 14 rebounds in a convincing win for the Lakers.

Game 2 was the Celtics turn to show why they belonged in the finals. This time Ray Allen put on a show from outside the three point line hitting on eight of 11 attempts to help lead Boston, who came into this one as a six point underdog, to a 103-94 win that swung the home court advantage back into their favor. He finished the night with 32 points while Rajon Rondo added 19 more along with 12 rebounds and 10 assists for the triple-double.

With the series shifting back to Boston for the next three games, Game 3 was an opportunity for both teams to take control of this series. As a 2 ½ point underdog the Lakers knew that a win in this one would restore the home court advantage they lost in Game 2. Despite a slow start where they found themselves trailing by seven early, LA kept chipping away at Boston and eventually was able to build a 12 point lead at the half. The Celtics fought back in the third cutting the lead to six, but Derek Fisher’s 11 point fourth quarter led the way to a crucial 91-84 win. Bryant led all scorers with 29 but it was Fisher’s tenacity on both offense and defense that really helped seal the win.

With this win the scales have certainly tipped in the Lakers favor. 10 times since the NBA shifted to the 2-3-2 format the team that won Game 3 to take a 2-1 series edge has successfully gone on the win the title all 10 times. While this one is far from over, Boston will now have to win the next two at home and then one on the road to add an 18^th NBA Championship to their resume. Los Angeles on the other hand simply needs to win two out of the next four to notch their 16^th World Title in franchise history.

The early line has Boston as a 3 ½ point favorite for Game 4 with the over/under line at 190. Given that both these teams have bounced back from tough losses with a strong performance in the next game along with the fact they are playing at home you would have to lean toward the Celtics to come out strong and even up the series at 2-2 with a win.

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Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends:

• LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
• LA Lakers are 8-4 ATS in their last 12 games
• LA Lakers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games on the road
• LA Lakers are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games on the road

Boston Celtics Betting Trends:

• Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
• Boston is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
• Boston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
• Boston is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games

The 2010 NBA Finals get underway with a dream matchup between the two most storied franchises in the league. The Boston Celtics, winners of 17 prior World Titles represent the Eastern Conference. They take on last year’s World Champions; the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have 16 titles to their credit.

With a different format than the earlier rounds of the playoffs, the first two games of this best-of –seven series will be played tonight and Sunday in Los Angeles. The series then shifts to Boston for games three, four, and five. If necessary the final two games will be back in LA with game six scheduled for Tuesday June 15^th and game seven on Thursday June 17^th.

Both teams come into this championship series playing their best ball of the season. Before the postseason began many people questioned the age and the health of the top players on both these teams as they seem to drag through the end of the regular season. After, for the most part, coasting through the rest of the competition in the earlier rounds of the playoffs, they are now pointed directly at one another in what should be another classic finals showdown.

From an odds standpoint, the Lakers are they early favorite to win it all and tie the Celtics by winning a 17^th title. In game one, scheduled to tip off at 9:00 P.M. (ET) tonight, they are a 5 ½ point favorite with an over/under line of 192. For the series, the money line on LA is currently -180, while the line on Boston is +160.

The prop bets on this series also lean toward the Lakers winning this series in six games. The odds for a LA sweep are 19-2. A Boston sweep is currently at 22-1. If you think that the series is going to go the full seven games then you can get 3-1 odds that the Lakers win or 13-2 odds if you want to go with the Celtics.

If you want to bet this series wraps up at TD Garden in Boston, the money line is +160. If you think it ends at the Staples Center in LA, the money line is -200.

If you really do not care who wins but want to bet on how long this series will last, the following are the money lines for that wager: 4 games +650, 5 games +300, 6 games +180, 7 games +190. The money line for the over/under on the total length of the series is +160 under 5 ½ and -200 over 5 ½ games.

On paper these teams matchup very well, each having enough star power to field a very good All-Star team. Boston has proven that they deserve to be here after taking out the top two seeds in the East each in six games. The trio of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett has rolled back time a bit and are playing at the level that won them a World Title in 2008. Add in Rajon Rondo to the mix and they have the necessary tools to get the job done.

There is no shortage of talent on the Lakers starting with arguably the best player in the game; Kobe Bryant. Add in the likes of Pau Gasol, Ron Artest, Derek Fisher, and Lamar Odom along with a solid supporting cast and you have all the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster with this lineup.

The tipping point in this series comes down to which team can win on the road. If Boston can steal one of the first two, then having three straight at home could be all they need. If the Lakers sweep games one and two, they still control their own destiny knowing they have the final two back home. I expect a close hard fought series that does not get decided until the bitter end- Lakers in seven.

Game 1: Thursday, June 3 – Boston at LA Lakers at 9:00 PM on ABC
Game 2: Friday, June 4 – Boston at LA Lakers at 8:00 PM on ABC
Game 3: Sunday, June 6 – LA Lakers at Boston at 9:00 PM on ABC
Game 4: Thursday, June 10 – LA Lakers at Boston at 9:00 PM on ABC
Game 5*: Sunday, June 13 – LA Lakers at Boston at 8:00 PM on ABC
Game 6*: Tuesday, June 15 – Boston at LA Lakers at 9:00 PM on ABC
Game 7*: Thursday, June 17 – Boston at LA Lakers at 9:00 PM on ABC

Boston Celtics Betting Trends:

• Boston is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
• Boston is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston’s last 7 games
• Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road

Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends:

• LA Lakers are 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games
• LA Lakers are 10-2 SU in their last 12 games
• The total has gone OVER in 10 of the LA Lakers last 14 games
• LA Lakers are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games at home

Eastern Conference

#4 Boston Celtics (2-1) vs. #2 Orlando Magic (3-1)

In the first three games of this series Boston could do no wrong and through an attack-style offense and shutdown defense they built what seemed to be an insurmountable three games to none lead over Orlando.

With a chance to lock up another trip to the NBA finals on their home court, the Celtics finally stumbled by losing game four 92-96 in overtime. They had numerous chances to put this one away, but Orlando repeatedly answered the bell and refused to go down. The Magic stars finally showed up with Dwight Howard leading the way. Howard finished the night with 32 points and 16 rebounds. Jameer Nelson was another force with 23 points and nine assists. For Boston, Paul Piece led the team with 32 points and 11 rebounds and Ray Allen added 22 but it was not enough to put this one away.

Last night in game five in Orlando, the Magic actually asserted themselves in this series with a dominating 113-92 victory that put them firmly back into this series. They made the Celtics look old and tired especially in the fourth quarter when they outscored them 29-17 to seal the win. Nelson had another big night with 24 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Rasheed Wallace came off the bench to lead Boston with 21 points.

The series moves back to Boston for game six this Friday night at 8:30. If the Celtics lose this one, thoughts of another epic collapse by a Boston team in the playoffs will be on the forefront of everybody’s mind.

Western Conference

#3 Phoenix Suns (10-1) vs. #1 Los Angeles Lakers (Even)

At home, Los Angeles had their way in this series in the first two games by out running and out gunning Phoenix to take a 2-0 lead. They averaged 126 points to the Suns 109 in those wins.

As the series shifted to Phoenix it was a different story as it was the Suns turn to shine. In game three Phoenix was able to keep the Lakers off balance from the start, opening up a six point lead at the half. After giving it back after three, they were able take control in the fourth to nail down a 118-109 win. Amar’e Stoudemire led the Suns with 42 points and 11 rebounds but he also had help from solid supporting cast. Kobe Bryant led Los Angeles with 36 points and 11 assists.

In game four it was the Suns bench that grabbed all the attention as they outscored LA’s bench 54-20, which proved to be the difference in a 115-106 victory. Phoenix’s win evened this series up at two games apiece. Channing Frye and Leandro Barbosa each scored 14 points and combined to go 6 of 12 from three point range. Six Suns players scored in double figures led by Stoudemire’s 21. Once again Bryant led the Lakers with a game high 38 points, but did not get the necessary support from the rest of the team to keep it close down the stretch.

Game five is scheduled for tonight with tip off at 9:00 P.M. (ET). After watching the first four games between these two teams, you get the feeling this one is going to go the full seven with home court being the deciding difference when it is all said and done.

Bet Celtics Magic – Friday, May 28, 8:30 PM ET

The Celtics unraveled in a 113-92 loss in Orlando on Wednesday night, as Kendrick Perkins received two technical fouls, but his second technical was controversial and the suspension has been rescinded.  That’s great news for the Celtics as Glen Davis will probably be out with a concussion thanks to an errant Dwight Howard elbow.  Rajon Rondo had 18 points and six assists to lead the way for the Celtics, while Paul Pierce also had 18, but 10 of those came at the foul line as he was just 3-of-8 from the field.  NBA championship betting players then saw the Celtics get outscored 29-17 in the fourth quarter, and Boston has been seriously outplayed by Orlando in the fourth quarter this entire series.  The veteran leaders of the Celtics have to step up and get a sense of urgency in this team.

That’s not taking any credit away from the Magic, who shot 52.2% from the field, and they hit 13 of their 25 three-point attempts.  Orlando is playing with the desperation of a team whose season is on the line, and they did it despite another poor game from Vince Carter, who was 3-of-10 from the floor for eight points.  Jameer Nelson was 4-of-5 from beyond the arc and scored 24 points, while Howard added 21 points, 10 boards and five blocks.  Rashard Lewis even had a decent game, going 6-of-11 from the field for 14 points.

NBA betting odds have the Celtics as a 3-point favorite in this contest, but the home team has lost four of the five games in this series, and we’re not sure being at home is a good or bad thing in this matchup.  People seem to forget that the Magic won 25 games on the road in the regular season, and they’re 5-1 away from home in this postseason run.  The Celtics look in disarray, which is strange for a team with so much leadership, and now you have to wonder: Boston played difficult series against Miami and Cleveland, while Orlando routed Charlotte and Atlanta.  Are the Celtics out of bullets after facing Dwyane Wade and LeBron James?  We think so.

Betting pick: Orlando +3

Eastern Conference Finals

#4 Boston Celtics (19-10) vs. #2 Orlando Magic (9-1)

After struggling down the stretch of the regular season, Boston has turned things around in the postseason and is currently on a role that will most likely take them all the way to the NBA Finals. In game one of their conference final match-up with Orlando, they used a stifling defense to shutdown the Magic’s main man, Dwight Howard. Howard pulled down 12 rebounds but was held to just 6 points from the floor and was seven of 12 from the free throw line. After building a 20 point lead at the end of the third, the Celtics withstood a furious comeback attempt by Orlando to hold onto win 92-88. Ray Allen ended the night with a game high 25 points for Boston and Vince Carter led the Magic with 23 points.

Looking to sweep the first two games of this series on the road, Boston once again put the clamps on Orlando by holding them to shooting just 39% from the floor. Howard did end up with 30 points in this one but it was not enough as the Celtics grinded out a 95-92 victory to take a 2-0 lead in this best-of-seven series. Game three, in Boston is scheduled for Saturday night.  Paul Pierce (28 points) and Rajon Rondo (25 points) led the way for the Celtics while Carter and J.J. Redick each added 16 points for the Magic.

Boston Celtics Betting Trends:

• Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
• Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston’s last 5 games
• Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home

Orlando Magic Betting Trends:

• Orlando is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games
• Orlando is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games
• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando’s last 6 games
• Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road

Western Conference Finals

#3 Phoenix Suns (10-1) vs. #1 Los Angeles Lakers (5-7)

Los Angeles won three out of four from Phoenix in the regular season and is 7-4 lifetime against them in the playoffs. After wins in the first two games of this series, their dominance continues. In game one, the Lakers jumped out to a quick start by opening up a nine point lead in the first. The Suns battled back but could never regain control, eventually losing 128-107. If there were any questions about the health of Kobe Bryant’s knee, they were certainly answered after he lit Phoenix up for a game high 40 points. LA’s bench added 44 points in a total team effort. Six Sun players scored in double figures led by Amar’e Stoudemire’s 23.

Game two was pretty much more of the same as the Lakers once again opened up an early lead and continued to shoot lights out the whole game going almost 58% from the field. Trailing by nine at the half, the Suns battled back to tie the game at 90 at the end of the third but that was as close as it got. The Lakers pulled away by outscoring Phoenix 34-22 in the fourth to take game two 124-112 and take a 2-0 series lead into Phoenix for game three on Sunday night. Bryant ended the night with 21 points and 13 assists while Pau Gasol led the team with a game high 29 points and nine rebounds. Jason Richardson led the Suns with 27 points.

Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends:

• LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
• LA Lakers are 2-3-1 ATS in their last 6 games on the road
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 6 games on the road
• LA Lakers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Phoenix

Phoenix Suns Betting Trends:

• Phoenix is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games
• Phoenix is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games at home
• Phoenix is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games at home
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix’s last 6 games at home

Bet Suns Lakers – Wednesday, May 19, 9:00 PM ET

Steve Nash struggled to get going in a 128-107 loss to the Lakers in Los Angeles, going 5-of-10 from the field for 13 points, although he did add 13 assists.  To be fair to Nash, he wasn’t even close to the worst players on his team as Amare Stoudamire scored 23 points, but had just three rebounds and was a -23 on the night, while Jason Richardson’s 15 points were offset by a -24 rating, most of which came from guarding (or trying to guard) Kobe Bryant.  The Suns made just five of their 22 three-point attempts, with Nash missing both of his, and they couldn’t get out on the fast break, which is why Nash wasn’t as effective.  A lack of rebounds and forced turnovers could have caused this.

Bryant exploded for 40 points on the night, making 13 of his 23 field-goal attempts, and he gave Richardson a nightmare of a game with jumpers of various lengths, turnarounds, it didn’t matter.  When Bryant is in “Black Mamba” mode, there isn’t a lot that teams can do against him.  Pau Gasol had 21 points, and even though he had only four boards, he also had five assists and a couple of blocks, while Lamar Odom came off the bench with 19 points and 19 boards.  The Lakers took the lead of their star, who was aggressive from the opening tip, and that was the key to their Game 1 win.

NBA betting odds should have the Lakers as the favorites at home in this contest, and the Suns have now dropped five in a row at the Staples Center, where the Lakers are now 6-0 in the postseason.  Bryant came out and set the tone for a first half in which the Lakers scored 62 points, and even though the Suns’ defense won’t be confused with the Pistons or Knicks of the 1990s, they can’t afford to let the Lakers just do whatever they want at that end of the floor.  The Suns are also going to have to improve on the boards, so Nash can get this team out and running.  But we’re thinking that the Suns are snakebitten in Los Angeles, like Oklahoma City and Utah before them.

Online betting pick: Los Angeles Lakers

Last meeting: Conference Finals Game 1:  Boston 92 – Orlando 88 (ATS win BOS +6.5)

Game 1 couldn’t have gone much better for the Celtics.  Not only did they grab the victory on the road but they were able to get Paul Pierce and Ray Allen going as they combined for more than half  of Boston’s point total.  in addition to that they also stymied Dwight Howard inside while forcing the Magic’s outside shooters into a pathetic 5 for 22.  It was a pretty complete performance but they still only won by 4 points after being seriously outplayed in the fourth quarter.  Can they do it all again or did they just catch the Magic off guard after a long layoff?  Were the fourth quarter results an indicator of tired veteran legs for Boston or that Orlando needed a few quarters to get their game back to playoff speed.  Tonight’s game should answer all of these questions and more.

It goes without saying that Orlando needs to win tonight.  This is a very talented team but it doesn’t have the kind of leadership to dig themselves out of a 2-0 hole against a veteran, championship caibre team like Boston.  Even though they made it all the way to the Finals last year I am not sure this team has the right mix.  The only player who consistently plays with heart in Jameer Nelson and it showed in Game 1 as he outplayed Rajon Rondo including an amazing 9 rebounds.  To have any chance they are going to need him to continue to play big despite being the smallest player on the floor.  Speaking of big, Superman Dwight Howard needs to step up big time tonight.  Patrick Ewing needs to whisper in his ear that he needs to do the work before he gets the ball to get the easy shots he got consistently in the regular season.  This is the playoffs and despite his natural athletic talent Boston is going to make him earn it.

The current line on this one is Orlando - 7.5

I don’t know how you can make the line bigger after a home favourite coughs up the advantage in G1 but that is what the oddsmakers have done.  I see another close battle and I like the Celtics to take control of the series by coming up with another road victory so feel comfortable playing the C’s with the spread.  After two straight sweeps by Orlando the shoe may be on the other foot now.

Boston – 95
Orlando – 92

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Boston Celtics Betting Trends:

• Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
• Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston’s last 6 games
• Boston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road

Orlando Magic Betting Trends:

• Orlando is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
• Orlando is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando’s last 5 games
• Orlando is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games at home

Los Angeles Lakers 7-5

The Lakers limped into this year’s playoffs, losing six out of their last nine regular season games. Kobe Bryant was dealing with multiple injuries and there were serious questions as to whether or not last season’s World Champs would even make it past the first round. After finding themselves tied with 8^th seed Oklahoma City two games apiece in the opening round, these questions suddenly seemed valid. In typical LA fashion, they got things together and won the next two to take the series 4-2. From that point the championship march was on. They took out Utah in four straight games with only one of them being a nail biter.

Kobe Bryant appears to be alright as he has averaged 26.9 points and 4.9 assists in 10 playoff games. Pau Gasol has elevated his game and is averaging 20.2 points and 13.2 rebounds. Andrew Bynum, Derek Fisher, and Lamar Odom are also back in championship form as they await the start of their conference final series with Phoenix.

Orlando Magic 8-5

The Magic have remained the hottest team in the NBA, tearing through the first two rounds of these playoffs. Coming into the postseason, they had won nine out of their final 10 regular season games. As the #2 seed in the East they faced #7 Charlotte in the opening round. Setting the tone right from the start with a nine point 98-89 win in game one, they rolled to three more victories to sweep the Bobcats 4-0. Expecting a bit more resistance in the second round from Atlanta, they became even more dominant. Not only did the sweep the Hawks in four straight, the average margin of victory was an incredible 25 points.

So far this has been a total team effort for Orlando as Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis, and Mickael Pietrus have all averaged double figures led by Nelson’s 20.5 points per game average. Howard leads the team in rebounds, averaging 11.3 per game. The way they are playing, you would have to think they are licking their chops to take on the winner of the Boston-Cleveland series.

Phoenix Suns 6-1

After finishing the regular season winning 14 out of their last 16 games, Phoenix earned the number three seed in the West behind LA and Dallas. Against Portland in the first round the Suns stumbled out of the gate, dropping game one at home 100-105. They quickly rebounded by winning four out of the next five to win the series 4-2. In the next round they faced San Antonio, a team that had beaten them four straight times in the playoffs. They wasted no time in gaining the edge with a 111-102 win in game one. The momentum built from there as they ended up sweeping the Spurs in four games.

The play of Amar’e Stoudemire, Steve Nash, and Jason Richardson is the primary reason the Suns have advanced to the conference finals. Richardson leads the team in scoring, averaging 21.9 points per game. Stoudemire is averaging 20.5 and leads the team with seven rebounds per game. Nash is dishing out nine assists per game as well as averaging 17.8 points. They should provide a great test for the Lakers in the next series.

Boston Celtics 6-1

As the #4 seed, Boston came into these playoffs with a ton of question marks surrounding the lack of consistency in their play. So far in the two series they have played, the star power of this team has come together to silence their critics. In the opening round the Celtics set the tone right from the start in game one against Miami. Not only did they win 85-76, they did it in a physical, bruising fashion.

After taking the Heat out in five they turned their attention to eliminating LeBron James and the Cavaliers. After losing game one 93-101 they stunned Cleveland at home 104-86 in game two. After getting blown out in game three at home 95-124, the asserted themselves one again with two big wins to take a 3-2 edge in the series. With game six tonight in Boston they have a golden opportunity to eliminate the Cavaliers to earn a date with Orlando in the conference finals.

Cleveland Cavaliers 6-1

After dominating the Eastern Conference for the majority of the regular season, it appeared that Cleveland had a clear path to the NBA Finals. After taking out #8 seed Chicago in five games they welcomed the Boston Celtics to town in what they thought would be another routine win in the second round.

After game one went according to plan they were dealt their first real setback of these playoffs with an ugly loss at home in game two. After regaining the home court edge in game three they were stunned again by a 10 point 87-97 loss in game four. Returning home to Cleveland for game five the worst was yet to come. The Celtics took full advantage their laxidasical attitude, handing them a 120-88 beating in front of the home town crowd. They now face a do or die situation having to win the final two games against a team that already has one foot on their neck.

Suns vs Lakers Betting

The Suns finally got rid of the biggest thorn in their side when they swept San Antonio, who had eliminated the Suns in four previous postseason meetings.  Nash was out of control in this series, averaging 22.0 points and 7.8 assists, and he put up 20 and nine assists with a right eye that was basically swollen shut by a Tim Duncan elbow in the series-clinching game.  Amare Stoudamire was next with 20.5 points and 9.3 rebounds for the Suns, who are even playing a bit of defense to go with their run-and-gun offense.  Stoudamire put up 20.3 points and 8.8 boards in four games against the Lakers this year, while Nash is going to have to continue his fine playoff run if the suns are going to overcome the NBA playoff betting odds as he has just 13.8 points and 9.0 assists against the Lakers.

The Lakers are coming off their own sweep as they made short work of Utah in the second round, and now they’re in the Western conference finals for the third straight year.  Bryant bounced back from a tough first round against Oklahoma City to average 32.0 points against the Jazz, while Pau Gasol was next with 23.5 points and 14.5 rebounds for the Lakers, who won three of four against the Suns this season.  Bryant notched 27.5 points in those four games, while Andrew Bynum put up 17.8 points and 9.8 rebounds for the Lakers.

If you’re looking to bet NBA, the Lakers are favored at -300 to advance to the NBA Finals, and as we said before, they took three of four from the Suns this year.  But they’ll also have some revenge on their mind as the Suns eliminated the Lakers in the first round in 2006 and 2007.  The Lakers have a massive advantage in the post as Bynum and Gasol, as well as Lamar Odom, should be able to have their way inside, but they’ll also going to have defend the pick-and-roll that Nash and Stoudamire have used so well this year.  The Lakers’ bench is also going to have to step up because the Phoenix bench played brilliantly against the Spurs.  However, the Lakers’ championship experience should guide them to a sports betting win six games in this series.