NBA: Sunday NBA TV Betting Risks (starts 1:00 PM ET, ABC)

Another Sunday of NBA action is ready to unfold before our very eyes, with three televised tilts on tap today

2008-02-29

Another Sunday of NBA action is ready to unfold before our very eyes, with three televised tilts on tap today. TV games tend to see more action than the rest at Sportsbook, so make sure to check the latest Betting Trends info before locking in your plays.

Each of the three games is independently important in its own right, leaving bettors to ponder what direction to go betting professional basketball. The middle of the three games will garner the most interest and likely wagering activity, with Dallas traveling West to match skills with the Lakers. The other two contests will whet the appetite those betting the NBA, which could lead to very enjoyable day.

Chicago at Cleveland 1:00E, ABC
In looking at the standings in the East, Cleveland has some work to do. The Cavaliers are in the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference, trailing Toronto for the right to host a first round series. As it appears, these two teams are on collision course to meet, thus grabbing the upper hand to host would be deemed important. LeBron James was pleased the front office made changes and he is learning about his new teammates. "(I'll need) a few more practices," he said. "If I have to sit down with the guys and ask where they like it, I will. I feel comfortable with Joe (Smith), getting it to him in the mid range. Does Ben (Wallace) want a bounce pass or chest pass or does he want it at the rim?" James is pleased in what he sees in G Delonte West. “He brings us a push guard that we haven't had," he said. "He can push it up court and get into fast break quicker. Defensively, he's pretty good. That was a surprise."

Oddsmakers have taken advantage of the Cavaliers all season at home, who despite 17-10 record (press time) at Quicken Loans Arena, are unstable 9-18 ATS. If Chicago is going to make playoff push, the road is going to be uphill, like Rocky Mountain steep. The Bulls redid there roster, hoping to light a fire for the franchise and fans. Starting today, they have two games with Cleveland, next Friday are at conference leader Boston, followed by contest at Central leader Detroit. They return home to face another division leader in Utah, followed by hosting Philadelphia, the team which presently holds last playoff spot. As any coach worth his salt would say, Chicago can only play them one game at a time the Bulls are 6-15 ATS versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3-point shots a game on the season.

Cleveland is 6-2 SU and ATS against fellow Central foe Chicago, with each team trying to strive for better days ahead.

Dallas at L.A. Lakers 3:30E, ABC
Dallas had the chance to knock off division leader San Antonio on Thursday night, yet couldn’t make the clutch shot down the stretch to make them a winner. If beating the Spurs was difficult, taking down the Lakers is a precarious task at best. The Lakers have an outstanding starting five, with Kobe Bryant as the clutch leader. Bryant is taking fewer shots and scoring with greater efficiency. The Lakers have an assortment of bench players, all with individual skills, that can help take down any opponent. Los Angeles can beat opposing teams in a variety of ways, and if they don’t bring pressure forget it. The Lakers are 12-1 ATS versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing 14 or less turnovers a game in the second half of this season.

Dallas is in what is being thought of as defining stretch of games that will speak to the nature of the team. The Mavericks are 14-17 and 13-18 ATS on the road after losing to the Spurs. After the matinee in L.A. they fly to Utah before returning home to face the Ming-less Rockets. In the West, no less then a split will “getter done” and the Mavs are already down one. Dallas has really has issues with explosive scoring teams similar to the Lakers, being 10-21 ATS vs. clubs scoring 103 or more points a contest.

Nothing is ever easy visiting the Gold and Purple for Dallas, who have lost 18 of 21 and are 9-12 ATS. Having the offense and defense come together like it did last March would help, when they won 36 at the Staples Center.

Denver at Houston 8:00E, ESPN
The post- Yao Ming era will be in place the rest of the season, meaning all hands on deck for Houston the rest of the season. Noted NBA loud-mouth, Steve A. (A for aggravating) Smith suggested the Rockets give the ball to Tracy McGrady and get out of his way. That sounds good until he injures himself again also. A better strategy would have all the Houston players contribute and lift scoring average, since it is a given the defensive numbers will suffer without Ming in the middle. When the Rockets score 99 to 104 points in a game, they soar, with 101-56 ATS record.

Denver owns a quality record and yet would not make the Western playoffs at this time. George Karl’s club real goal is to surpass Utah for the Northwest Division crown, assuring them of postseason action. In order to do this, they must survive the next nine days. Including Houston this evening, they play Phoenix and San Antonio at the Pepsi Center, immediately followed by trips to Utah and the Spurs. Three of five wins would be tremendous, as long as one of them is against the Jazz. The Nuggets have generated many for backers with a day between games with 20-8 and 17-11 ATS mark.

The teams have split the last four games in Houston, with Denver 13-3 ATS playing in Sunday’s.

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