NBA Betting Preview: Can Houston halt Lakers juggernaut?
The Lakers are unstoppable at the moment, say Nick Shiambouros. Meanwhile, the Nuggets could be this season’s dark horses. Our man selects the weekend’s best bets.
“On Sunday, the Lakers host the Houston Rockets in a Western Conference match-up. I really like the chances of LA with the handicap in this one and the Lakers are my best bet of the week.”
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns 121-102 in a one-sided affair at the Staples Center on Thursday night.
It was a very impressive effort by the Lakers who made it six wins in a row and are now leading the Western Conference. Kobe Bryant had a huge night scoring 29 points along with a productive Andrew Bynum who added another 26.
This was only the second defeat of the season for the Suns but when Los Angeles are playing at this level they are simply unstoppable.
The Portland Trailblazers made it three wins in a row thrashing Minnesota 107-84 on Wednesday and are a team that could surprise a few people this year. Last season Portland finished the season well and made it to the play-offs for the first time since 2003.
The Denver Nuggets were involved in a wild finish on Tuesday against a spirited Chicago team who were furious after losing the game 90-89. Brad Miller’s last second shot was disallowed after it was ruled that time had expired. This would have given the Bulls a deserved victory but the officials deemed otherwise. This decision was way to close to call and Chicago were desperately unlucky not to win the game.
Over in the Eastern Conference the Boston Celtics continue to impress after beating the Utah Jazz 105-86 on Wednesday. Even at this early stage of the year the Celtics look like the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.
The Cleveland Cavaliers put up a very good performance on Thursday beating the Miami Heat 111-104 in a close encounter in south Florida. This game could have gone either way but Mo Williams was on fire for the Cavaliers and scored 25 points. The great LeBron James added another 34 points for the Cavs in this solid effort. If Cleveland are to challenge Boston in the East then they have to continue to play at this level.
On Saturday night the Miami Heat play host to the winless New Jersey Nets and I can only see one outcome. Dwyane Wade and company should have no trouble against this disappointing team and should put on a show for the home fans. The Nets are looking for a new owner and morale is at at all time low for this franchise. I will be backing Miami with the handicap in what should be a one sided game.
On Sunday the Los Angeles Lakers host the Houston Rockets in a Western Conference match-up. I really like the chances of Los Angeles with the handicap in this one and the Lakers are my best bet of the week.
There is no love lost between these two teams so expect a physical encounter. Kobe Bryant is looking very sharp in the early part of the season and Ron Artest has adjusted well to his new surroundings. This spells trouble for an injury hit Rocket team who are 5-3 for the year.
The Toronto Raptors visit the Phoenix Suns on Sunday and I think it will be a long night for Toronto. The Suns have returned to their high energy offense and could run the stamina out of Toronto in the final quarter.
This Phoenix team has started the season well and should bounce back with victory in this game. Veteran point guard Steve Nash has taken control of this rotation and the Suns should maintain their unbeaten home record.
Recommended wagers:
Saturday:
Back Miami with advertised handicap.
Sunday:
Back Los Angeles with advertised handicap
Back Phoenix with advertised handicap
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