NBA Betting, Heat, Mavs Could Be Headed For 2006 Rematch

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Basketball OddsOnline Preakness betting players could be in line for a rematch of sorts as Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom may have to go through a few of the same horses in order to come away with a victory in the second jewel of the Triple Crown. If you’re trying to look ahead to the NBA Finals, you may foresee a rematch of a hotly contested matchup from five years ago.

In the East, Miami has looked very impressive as they stand on the brink of putting away the defending conference champions from Boston. Simply put, the Heat are a younger, more athletic version of Boston’s Big Three, and the injury to Rajon Rondo can’t be helping the Celtics at all. Chicago hasn’t looked impressive in this postseason run, and the more you watch them, the more you wonder: how far can Derrick Rose take them? They’re having a lot of trouble with Atlanta, and while they should make it past the Hawks, those watching NBA scores know the Bulls won’t make it past Miami if they continue to play like this.

As for the West, Dallas has been, by far, the best team in the playoffs, and their four-game destruction of the two-time defending champions from Los Angeles was mind-boggling. Dirk Nowitzki looks toughened by past playoff failures, and he’s really been aided by the pickup of Tyson Chandler, who gives the Mavericks a defensive presence that they haven’t had inside in, well, ever. Memphis and Oklahoma City are staging a war in the Midwest, while the Mavericks are at home, resting up and watching out for who they will meet in the West final. The Thunder and Grizzlies may not have anything left in the tank for Dallas, especially after Monday’s triple-overtime marathon.

Even those making NFL betting picks will remember the 2006 NBA Finals, which was won by Miami, but it came with some controversy as many feel the officiating was biased towards the Heat and specifically, Dwyane Wade, who was in the process of turning himself into a superstar. The Heat also had a still-productive Shaquille O’Neal, and everyone knows about the tension between NBA commissioner David Stern and Dallas owner Mark Cuban, which added another layer to the series. The two could be on a collision course as the Mavericks would love to avenge their six-game loss, and a title for the likes of Nowitzki and Kidd would validate their greatness, although they don’t need it. On Miami’s side, the team that everyone loves to hate would quiet a lot of critics, especially LeBron James, whose “Decision” may be the single biggest story of the past year in any sport. If these two meet, it’s going to be a very hot ticket in your sports betting book.

NHL Playoffs Betting: Sharks Look To Ground Red Wings at Home Tuesday

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Hockey free picksThe San Jose Sharks will take their second of three straight shots at eliminating the Detroit Red Wings in their 2011 Western conference semi final series on Tuesday. While the Sharks looked good while building a three-game series lead, all five contests have been decided by just one goal and the last two have gone in Detroit’s favor. San Jose will not want to go to a seventh and deciding game against a veteran team that knows what it takes to be a champion, but they will be in tough to get the job done in the hostile Joe Louis Arena.

San Jose Sharks @ Detroit Red Wings

Tuesday May 10, 2011 – 8:00 PM ET


Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan


Online Sports Betting
Odds: Detroit – 120

The Red Wings have been one of the toughest teams to beat on home ice over the past few years, and another sellout crowd will try to help them earn a decisive game seven and avoid leaving the MLB betting Tigers as the city’s only hope this spring.

NHL Betting Preview: San Jose Sharks

While the offense has been consistent throughout the postseason, the Sharks have had trouble at their own end in allowing eight goals in consecutive losses after conceding just five combined through their first three wins. San Jose will need to tighten up at it’s own end in front of Antti Niemi to avoid letting a three-game series lead evaporate, and will need to play with a greater sense of urgency after letting up somewhat over the past couple of games. Slowing down the line of Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, and Tomas Holmstrom will be a key factor, while the Sharks’ powerplay will need to get going after being blanked the past two NHL games.

NHL Betting Preview: Detroit Red Wings

After struggling through the first three losses, that top line of Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Holmstrom has really found its rhythm including a five-point night in their 4-3 game five win. The addition of Nicklas Kronwall at their own end has provided an immediate physical presence that has changed the complexion of the series the past couple of games, while goaltender Jimmy Howard continues to exceed pay per head expectations with his strong play. Howard has been the team’s best player for most of the series as Detroit has been outshot in three of the five games, including a 42-22 margin in game five.

NHL Betting: Matchup & Pick

The Sharks lead Detroit in scoring for the series 14-13 and two of their wins have been clinched in overtime, which is testament to just how close this series has been. Red Wings’ head coach Mike Babcock will have the final change again and after finding the right forward combinations in consecutive wins he will watch as his team books a game seven to decide the series back in San Jose.

Gambling Advisor blog Pick: Detroit Red Wings - 120

 

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