Posted on 4/7/2008 2:55:19 PM

NBA Eastern Playoffs Betting - Four Beasts in the NBA East

By D.S Williamson

Ah, the NBA Playoffs! Does it get any better? Since the NBA went to a seven game format for every series in the NBA playoffs, I have to say that, no, it doesn’t get any better. Without a doubt the NBA Playoffs are the most exciting playoffs of any of the major sports. First, there are BetUS wagering opportunities galore. Second, this years’ group of NBA teams and players are absolutely outstanding.

I can’t remember another year where there are so many good teams with so many good players. This is even true for the Eastern Conference where the mighty Boston Celtics figure to bring back the glory days for the men in green. Forget the days of the 1990s Chicago Bulls or the 1980s Boston Celtics. These Boston Celtics will find it difficult to dominate the playoffs. Not because they aren’t good enough. They are. It’s just so are the Detroit Pistons. Also, let’s not forget that the Cleveland Cavaliers will go into the playoffs with one of the top, if not the top, player on the planet - - LeBron James.

Let’s take a look at a few of the teams in the Eastern Conference who figure to take us BetUS NBA bettors to our own personal glory land called the fat bank-roll!

Top Four Eastern Conference Teams

Boston Celtics - - The top-seed in the East hasn’t always been the best against the BetUS spread this season. They are 48-26-2 overall which currently makes them a good wager in every single situation. At home the Celtics are 23-15-1. On the road they are 25-11-1. The problem is that things change in the playoffs. Teams, namely the Detroit Pistons, step up their game which means the Celtics may have trouble covering a few of their third-round playoff games. Look towards the BetUS Under with the Celtics as they are 33-42-1 over/under on the year. I’m interested to see how this team handles playoff pressure as Paul Pierce doesn’t have a whole lot of playoff experience. Neither does their coach. Be wary of laying down too much money on this team early. They’re good, but playoff pressure can get to any team.

Detroit Pistons - - They’ve been disappointing all year going a lackluster 41-34-1 overall against the BetUS spread. That’s a winning percentage, but it’s not nearly what one should expect from the team that some consider the best in the NBA. Like the Celtics, this team loves that BetUS Under going 34-41-1 on the season. Unlike the Celtics, I see their flaws as playoff strengths. If the Pistons were sleepwalking during the season, and do wake up during the playoffs then they’re my pick against most, if not all, games where they are the underdog. I see them winning a lot of games against the BetUS money-line in their potential third-round match-up against the Celtics. I still have faith in this team. I’d take them on the road versus almost every other team in the NBA.

Orlando Magic - - A terrific team against the BetUS spread, putting up Boston Celtic like numbers this year. They’ve gone 46-28-3 against the BetUS spread this season. The great news is that they’ve almost equaled their terrific road record with their home record going 21-14-3 against the BetUS spread at home. I still question their guard-play, however. So I’m not on their bandwagon just yet. Prove something in the first-round then maybe I’ll start throwing some dollars at this team.

Cleveland Cavaliers - - As King James goes, so goes the Cavaliers. Trading Drew Gooden for Ben Wallace did absolutely nothing to improve this team. They are still an awful 35 and 42 against the BetUS spread this season. That’s horrid. At home they are even worse going an icy 14 and 24 against the BetUS spread this season. The Cavs play Over games against the BetUS over/under on the road - - 21-17-1 this season - - and BetUS Under games at home - - 16-21-1 this season. That makes them sort of a tough wager either way. Still, King James can take over any game. He’s going to have to.

Potential First-Round Match-Up Predictions

Boston should dominate either the Atlanta Hawks or Indiana Pacers in the first-round. I do believe that the Hawks would put up more of a fight, but Boston shouldn’t have any issues. Still, the potential BetUS spread will be Celtics – 14 or – 16 points. That means I might have to pass on the men in green.

I see the Pistons dominating the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors have Chris Bosh, but their guard-play isn’t up to snuff. Chauncey Billups will absolutely destroy this team. A healthy Rip Hamilton means that the Pistons have a chance of covering every BetUS spread.

Orlando will probably face the Philadelphia 76’ers in the first-round. Out of all of the first-round match-ups this is the one that I see being the most difficult for the favored team. The Magic are the better team, but Philadelphia is sneaky good. They could win a few games in this series. If the 76’ers and Raptors switch spots, I think the Raptors could win a few games against the Magic. I don’t think the Magic will lose the series outright but against the BetUS spread I’d have to think long and hard about the underdog against the Magic.

Even though the Cavaliers aren’t a very good team, they still have LeBron which means they should take care of business against the Washington Wizards. It’s the second-round where I would be worried about the Cavs. LeBron has no problems scoring with the high-flying Wizards and the Cavs defense should be better than Washington’s. I’ll take the Cavs to cover most of their games in this series.

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