Posted on 3/6/2008 5:38:27 PM

NBA Betting Odds - Furious Free Picks

By Tim Furious

Cleveland Cavaliers (35-26) vs. Chicago Bulls (24-36)

Thursday, March 6th --- United Center, Cleveland --- 7:00pm EST

NBA Betting Line: Chicago -3.5 (197)

Uh, excuse me? Chicago is favored in this one? Are you seriously telling me that the listless Bulls are expected to thump Cleveland at home just because they have some sort of vendetta against Ben Wallace? For goodness’ sake they lost to Cleveland four days ago 95-86. And Lebron just scored 50 points in MSG on the Knicks last night? What is going on here? Am I taking crazy pills?

Chicago is 4-2 ATS and SU in their past 6 games at home which may have something to do with it. But are you really ready to bet against Cleveland considering how well LB23 is playing? He’s trying to win the MVP here folks. And who’s going to stop him? Larry Hughes? Please.

Barring some sort of miracle game from a vengeful Drew Gooden, Cleveland should have problem in this game. Cleveland rocks two proven low-post commodities in Wallace and Joe Smith. Chicago will be rolling out inexperience against veterans in the paint. Who do you think is going to win that battle? Chicago allows 98.5 points per game and are thin up front. Even with the absence of Big Z, it’s hard to imagine Drew Gooden outperforming Joe Smith in this one.

Lebron and company have been road warriors lately, going 9-4 SU in their past 13 games. They are also 7-2 ATS in their last nine games and have dominated Chicago for a 7-2 SU record in their past nine meetings. The point spread is geared in Chicago’s favor because Daniel Gibson is out indefinitely, and the idea here is that Ben Gordon will go absolutely nuts. Did Vegas just forget that Delonte West is on the Cavs? He’s a great defender that has the speed and length to keep Gordon from going out of control.

Considering how well LBJ is playing lately, there’s literally zero reason for you to bet against the Cavaliers at this moment unless they’re playing Boston or a top-four team in the West. And even then, you can make a strong point for the Cavaliers. The only reason I would advise taking the UNDER is because Cleveland plays remarkable team defense and likes to slow down the game to allow Lebron to take over the pace of it. Bet on that being the case tonight as he pours in another monster performance in the house that Jordan built.

NBA Betting Free Picks: Cleveland +3.5 (UNDER)

You’ll find the latest 2007-2008 NBA odds and lines in the best online sportsbook, BetUS.com. Betting on NBA player and game props makes every aspect of the game exciting. Join BetUS.com today to bet on the NBA and make online sports betting work for you!