Posted on
12/20/2007 3:23:18 PM
NBA Betting – Future Hall Of Famers Square-off Tonight
By Eric Williams
I guess Forrest Gump was right with that whole ‘box of chocolates’ thing because this NBA betting season has proven without a doubt that you just never know what you’re going to get sometimes.
Take the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers for example.
Coming into this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers, despite their numerous off-season free agent failures, had to be feeling pretty confident after reaching the NBA Finals last season, even after being swept by the San Antonio Spurs.
The Lakers on the other hand, opened their regular season – with dissension swirling all about amid the franchise because of the ongoing Kobe Bryant trade nonsense.
However, as the league moves into its second quarter, things have turned around dramatically for both teams.
The Lakers, (15-9 SU, 15-9 ATS, 12-12 O/U), have overachieved beyond everyone’s expectations so far, particularly with Bryant shooting less and his supporting cast doing more. To illustrate this fact, the Lakers enter tonight’s matchup looking for their third straight win after beating the Clippers 113-92 and Bulls, 103-91 in their last two outings.
The Cavaliers, (11-14 SU, 10-15 ATS, 15-10 O/U) on the other hand, have looked mediocre at best on most occasions and downright atrocious on several occasions like last night’s embarrassing 108-90 road loss to the lowly New York Knicks.
Bryant, who has led the league in scoring the last two seasons, is now second, (26.8 ppg) to James (29.6 ppg), but Bryant may be having the last laugh as the Lakers are actually averaging three more points per game this season than they did last year.
Another problem for the Cavaliers this season is their defense. After holding opponents to 92.9 points per game last season, the Cavaliers are allowing 101.0 points per game this season.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my NBA Betting Free Picks
Key Lakers Trends
The Lakers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
The Lakers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
The Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Key Cavaliers Trends
The Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
The Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games.
The Cavaliers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 vs. NBA Pacific.
Key Totals Trends
The Under is 5-1 in Lakers last 6 games as an underdog.
The Under is 5-1 in Lakers last 6 games as a road underdog.
The Over is 4-0 in Cavaliers last 4 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5.
The Over is 10-1 in Cavaliers last 11 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Cleveland.
The Lakers are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Analysis: After watching the Cavaliers’ debacle against the Knicks last night, there is absolutely no way I’d wager on them in this contest. The fact of the matter is that Cleveland’s clearly apparent problems - even from last season – are now being fully exposed. Basically, if you want to beat the Cavaliers, make someone other than James shoot the ball. Take the Lakers to rack and roll tonight.
NBA Free Picks: Lakers -3 Points/Under 205.5 Total Points
08:05 PM EST NBA Betting Odds
LA Lakers -3 -115
Cleveland Cavaliers +3 -105
Over 205½ -110
Under 205½ -110
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