NBA Betting: Orlando head to Cleveland for Eastern showdown
Orlando Magic go to Ohio for a mouth-watering top of the conference clash while Denver fans look forward to a high-scoring affair. Nick Shiambouros selects the best bets.
“This is a huge game for Orlando as victory would give them a psychological advantage if they meet Cleveland in the play-offs later on this year.”
The injury hit Los Angeles Lakers beat the San Antonio Spurs 101-89 with a gritty effort on Monday night at the Staples Center. Los Angeles were without superstar Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynam but they still managed to thwart the Spurs.
Over in the East, the Orlando Magic put up a huge effort in the fourth quarter to beat the New Orleans Hornets 123-117 in a very entertaining affair. The Hornets came out firing and had a nine point lead early in the fourth quarter but Orlando had other ideas. Vince Carter made some huge shots for Orlando and ended the night with 48 points.
With the victory the Magic have moved in to a clear second in the Eastern Conference and are six games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Magic are playing well at the moment but they still need to elevate their play if they are to trouble the Cavaliers in the East.
Orlando will have a chance to gain ground on the Cavaliers on Thursday when they travel to Cleveland in a mouth watering affair. Both teams will be hungry for a victory before the All-Star break this weekend and this is one game well worth staying up for.
Cleveland are in sensational form at the moment and have won 11 games in a row. The great LeBron James is playing the best basketball of his career and is in a league of his own. James is showing a lot more maturity this season and this has been a huge factor in this team’s success. He is fully aware of the importance of involving the rest of the players in scoring and this unselfish attitude could win him his first NBA title.
This is a huge game for Orlando as a victory would give the Magic a psychological advantage if they meet in the play-offs later on in the year.
I am afraid I can only see one outcome on Thursday and that is an emphatic win for Cleveland. It is scary to think that this Cleveland rotation is not at full strength with the absence of starting point guard Mo Williams. Even without this quality player they are playing some incredible basketball.
The Denver Nuggets are also in action on Thursday when they host the San Antonio Spurs in what promises to be a high scoring affair. Denver has one of the best home records in basketball ; they’ve only lost four games all year at the Pepsi Center. They are capable of beating any team in the league and last Friday they thrashed the Lakers 126-113 on their home floor with a dominant display. This team has an explosive offense which has elevated them in to second place in the Western Conference.
The Spurs are in the midst of an eight game road trip and face a tough assignment against this in form Denver team. I think the Nuggets should take care of San Antonio in this interesting match-up.
Recommended Bets:
Thursday back Cleveland with advertised handicap
Thursday back Denver with advertised handicap
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