Sports betting

NBA Playoff Betting, NBA Gambling, NBA Betting, NBA odds to Win

by Kevin Taylor | May 21 2009

NBA Playoff Betting

A funny thing happened on the way to the NBA Finals… the Orlando Magic pulled off a big upset in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals and the Denver Nuggets almost pulled off an upset of the LA Lakers in Game 1 of their series.

It isn't supposed to go that way, as everyone in the world is hoping for a Kobe Bryant-Lebron James clash in the Finals. And don't fret, as it will still likely end up that one.

Sports betting enthusiasts were roughed up by the results from the first two games, as the big favorites, Cleveland and Los Angeles were upset. Sports betting action on both games did, as you might expect, favor the home teams.

Online sportsbook SPORTSBETTING.COM reported 74% of all the NBA betting action was on Cleveland. In the Lakers game, SPORTSBETTING.COM reported 68% of all the action was on Kobe and the Lakers.

Those who liked the underdog lines and bet them cashed in nicely from their sportsbooks.

NBA Odds
Looking at tonight's game, it takes place at the STAPLES Center. The line at most online sportsbooks is currently sitting at the Lakers as 5.5-point favorites with the Total set at 211.

NBA Trends
The Lakers are only 6-7 ATS in their 13 playoff games this year. Looking at the Over/Under numbers, the Lakers have posted five straight unders in their last five post-season starts.

The Denver Nuggets have been a smart play for sports bettors so far in this year's playoffs and heading into the playoffs. In their last 20 games they have a record of 15-5 SU and 15-4-1 ATS. But so far in the 2009 NBA playoffs, they have been very profitable, going 10-0-1 ATS so far.

Denver does not have a great trend facing LA. The NBA Trend for that is they are 6-14 ATS the last 20 times they've played Los Angeles.

The Nuggets did cover the pointspread in Game 1 in LA, but they haven't been a good bet in the past, as they failed to do so in the six road games previous against the purple and gold. And in their last 20 games at the STAPLES Center they have only managed a 5-15 ATS.

Online sportsbook SPORTSBETTING.COM is reporting 63% of the betting action now is coming in on Kobe Bryant and his team for Game 2.

Enjoy all the action and best of luck with all your sports betting.

Check out the NBA lines and NBA odds.

Author: Kevin Taylor is a veteran sports handicapper and student of the sports betting world. He has written for several media outlets, focusing on sports, sports betting and online poker.