Eastern Conference Series Odds and Predictions
by Vegas Sports Informer - 04/18/2008
The first round of the Eastern Conference NBA playoffs start Saturday and the series prices are up and we do have some shocking numbers. In the East, besides one matchup (Washington versus Cleveland), there are some lopsided lines. Everybody knows the Boston Celtics or Detroit Pistons will be in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Orlando Magic could be the sleeper in the Eastern Conference and I wouldn't be surprised to see them advance to the second round. No matter what, the NBA Playoffs are here and we are ready to make some cash. Some offshore books adjust series prices throughout the series so if a favorite loses Game 1 you might want to take a look at the adjusted series price on the favorite. Sometimes the bookmaker adjusts the price too much and you can make some easy cash this way. Here are some series predictions for how the first round could pan out:
Eastern Conference Series Odds
(5) Washington at (4) Cleveland
(Series Price: Washington -105, Cleveland -115)
The Washington Wizards and the Cleveland Cavaliers meet in the first round for the third straight year and the Cavs have beaten the Wizards in both playoff meetings. This series was a wash in the regular season as both teams won both of their games at home but the Wizards didn't have Gilbert Arenas in all four games. Series Pick: It's hard to pick against Lebron James but I'm looking at the Washington Wizards to finally get over the hump and beat the Cavaliers in seven games. Gambling note: The over was 3-1 in their four meetings this season.
(6) Toronto at (3) Orlando
(Series Price: Toronto +260, Orlando -310)
This series will focus on two young stars in the NBA. Orlando has Superman Dwight Howard and Toronto has Chris Bosh. Both teams split in the regular season but this isn't the regular season and the team that plays better defense will win this series. Series Pick: I'm going with the team in the U.S.! That's right I'm picking the Orlando Magic in six games to send the Raptors fishing. Gambling note: The over was 3-1 in their four meetings this season and Toronto is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 meetings against Orlando.
(7) Philadelphia at (2) Detroit
(Series Price: Philadelphia +850, Detroit -1300
Granted, the 76ers had a great season but telling this young Philadelphia team to beat the Pistons four out of seven is asking too much. Philadelphia hasn't been in the postseason since 2005 when the Detroit Pistons beat them in the first round. What happened then will happen now. Series Pick: Detroit ends this series quick and painful winning in five games. Philadelphia wins one game at home and avoids the sweep. Gambling note: The under was 1-3 in their four meetings this season but the shocking part is that Philadelphia was 3-1 ATS this season against Detroit.
(8) Atlanta at (1) Boston
(Series Price: Atlanta +4000, Boston -8000
The Boston Celtics return to the playoffs and return as heavy favorites. This series should be boring and ugly from the first tip-off. The only way the Atlanta Hawks have a shot in this series is if a young Dominique Wilkins comes out of the locker room. The Celtics have been on a roll since day one and this series should be over quickly. In the regular season Boston won all three meetings and the two games in Boston the Celtics won in double figures. Series Pick: Boston brings out the broom and sweeps the Atlanta Hawks in four games. Gambling note: All three games this season went under the total.