Can the Celtics Knock Off Superman and the Magic?

Last night the NBA’s Eastern Conference finals kicked off as the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic collided in a match for the ages. Fans betting on the game in favor of the Celtics were treated to an early blowout, which almost came to a screeching halt as the Magic regained form by the fourth quarter. Luckily for Celtics fans and betters alike, the Celtics lead by Paul Pierce were able to hold on for the 92-88 victory.

The Magic led by Superman Dwight Howard, appeared rusty for the majority of the game after a six day layoff. On the contrary however, was a Celtics who has not looked this strong since their championship run back in 2008, which saw them end the regular season as the best team in the league and carry over the success to the playoffs where they won the 2008 championship. Orlando although finishing second to Lebron James Cavs, are attempting to follow up on a strong regular season, as thus far in the playoffs they seem to be in cruise control, after sweeping both the Charlotte Bobcats and the Atlanta Hawks. Boston, after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in a much more dominant manner than expected, were able to carry over the success against the Cavaliers in their victory last night versus the Magic, as they led by as much as 20. If the Celtics, finally with a healthy roster, can continue the dominance they displayed in game one for the rest of the series, they will have the best NBA finals odds.

Lakers Start Strong Against Thunder

With eight games now having been played in the 2010 NBA playoffs, fans of sports betting are focused on their picks, and in some cases, desperately re-evaluating their predictions.

The Lakers, for their part, answered a lot of questions on Sunday afternoon, defeating the playoff-novice Oklahoma City Thunder in game one of their best-of-seven series. Game 2 goes down Tuesday at Staples Center. The solid start for the Lakers is a much needed turnaround from their troubles at the end of the regular season.

Many players cited injuries and a road-heavy schedule down the stretch in the regular season, which ultimately led to the Lakers cruising and looking less than impressive down the stretch. Fans of basketball betting agree however, that their performance on Sunday was a step in the right direction.

The return of Kobe Bryant also certainly helped the Lakers. Bryant returned to the starting lineup after sitting out four of the final five regular season games to rest, heal injuries, and prepare for the important post-season. While Bryant looked rough around the edges at times, he led the team with 21 points on 6-for-19 shooting.

Also returning for the Lakers was Andrew Bynum. Bynum had been out of the lineup for 13 games after suffering a strained Achilles tendon. Bynum finished the game with 13 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks.

Ron Artest played a phenomenal defensive game against the Thunder’s Kevin Durant, who scored 24 points on 7-for-24 shooting - Durant led the league with an average 30.1 points per game during the regular season. Despite the defense, Artest finished the game with only seven points on 3-for-11 shooting, and expressed disappointment in his performance after the game.

With a solid opener under their belts, the Lakers hope to continue their winning ways on Tuesday at the Staples Center.

Sportsbook odds calling for Kobe and LeBron

This year’s NBA odds has a couple of familiar teams on the top of the list of favorites for the upcoming season. But it won’t be easy to line up this massive superstar matchup in the Finals, as the East will be fiercely competitive at the top.

Good Plays

Los Angeles Lakers (+180): Can Crazy Ron Artest focus his intensity and help Kobe Bryant win a second straight title? A healthy Andrew Bynum would also do wonders.

Cleveland Cavaliers (+300): The Cavs picked up Jamario Moon, Anthony Parker and Shaquille O’Neal to support

Boston (+500): The Celtics’ repeat run was ruined by Kevin Garnett’s ailing knee. Rasheed Wallace brings some championship experience, but his prediction of 72 wins may come back to haunt him.

San Antonio (+800): Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili apparently look healthy, and the Spurs can make one more push for a ring with Richard Jefferson on the board.

Orlando Magic (+1200): Even with no Hedo Turkoglu or Courtney Lee, the Magic should have enough to challenge in the East. Vince Carter and Dwight Howard may stage their own personal dunk contests.

Possible Darkhorses

Portland (+1500): The pickup of Andre Miller may prove to be the sharpest of the offseason, meaning Brandon Roy doesn’t have to handle the ball as much. Now, if Greg Oden can stay healthy and/or out of foul trouble.

Miami (+4000): Dwayne Wade led a young team to the playoffs. A healthy Jermaine O’Neal back at his All-Star form would be a huge boost for the Heat.

Denver (+1200): Chauncey Billups changed the culture of the Nuggets’ locker room, and now he has a training camp to further school the young Denver players.

Utah (+2500): Carlos Boozer is pretty much gone at the end of the season, but coach Jerry Sloan won’t let it be a distraction.

Toronto (+7500): This is the biggest reach in the league. This is either a playoff team, or last in the East. Chris Bosh has to prove he’s worth $20 million a year to someone, and Turkoglu gives them a new dimension.

Don’t Even Think About It

Memphis (+10000): It’ll be funny to see Allen Iverson, O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay fight over shots. Marc Gasol is never going to see the ball.

Los Angeles Clippers (+10000): Poor Blake Griffin, gets drafted and gets stuck in Clipperland. He needs to stay far away from Ricky Davis.

Phoenix (+5000): Amare Stoudemire is probably gone after this season, meaning his indifferent defense may be worst than usual. This could be the worst defensive team in the league.

The rest of the East (various): After the top three and maybe Miami, Atlanta and Chicago, no one else has a chance.