This week's NBA situational bets
Covers.com
March is dominated by the madness of college basketball but don’t sleep on the Association. Oddsmakers’ seasonal shift in attention towards the Final Four leaves bettors with lucrative opportunities.
Tuesday, March 18
Boston Celtics at Houston Rockets
The Celtics’ may have a bloated win-loss record thanks to underwhelming competition in the East, but the club has been just as successful against the West. Boston is 19-4 straight up against squads outside its conference.
Normally we’d jump on the opportunity to take the Celtics with a low spread but Boston’s aged lineup will be a little tired playing its fourth game in five nights.
Tracy McGrady and his streaking Rockets take advantage of the cruel scheduling (as well as a banged up Ray Allen) and win the game outright.
Wednesday, March 19
Washington Wizards at Orlando Magic
It’s quite possible this contest could be the first game back for Gilbert Arenas. The All-Star point guard missed four months after undergoing surgery on his knee last fall.
The Wizards will have an added boost with or without Agent Zero on the court. If Wednesday isn’t the day Arenas make his much anticipated return it certainly won’t be too long.
The Magic’s Dwight Howard puts up a monster game against slow-footed Wizard defenders but Washington will play inspired ball against their Southeast rivals.
Thursday, March 20
Los Angeles Lakers at Utah Jazz
There’s something fishy going on in Salt Lake City and it has nothing to do with polygamy. The Jazz can’t lose inside the cozy confines of the EnergySolutions Arena. They own the league’s best home record (28-3) and they’ve covered the spread in 10 of their last 13 dates inside the state of Utah.
Their rambunctious fans play the part of the sixth man perfectly providing an inhospitable setting for the visiting side.
The Lakers are the better team and boast the league’s best player but they may struggle to away from the building formerly known as the Delta Center with the 'W'.
Saturday, March 22
New Jersey Nets at Philadelphia 76ers
Someone should tell the Sixers they have no business playing this well. After trading away their franchise player (Allen Iverson), 2007-08 was supposed to be a rebuilding year. Instead Philly has all but locked up a playoff berth playing near .500 ball with a cast of overachievers.
Philadelphia has been on a ridiculous pace since the All-Star break winning and covering 10 of 14.
The Nets still have a good chance of nabbing the eighth seed in the East even after trading away Jason Kidd. Former Mav Devin Harris continues to struggle building chemistry with new teammates Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson.
There’s no questioning Harris’ talent and athleticism, but he’s far too careless with the rock. With Philly’s Andre Miller hounding him, Harris ends the game with more turnovers than assists and Philly walks away a winner.