This Tuesday four games are on the slate in the NBA and each one appears to be a mismatch. This usually leads me to throw an extra glance at a four-team parlay. Of course nothing is a sure bet, and for parlays of this size and larger I recommend using money lines rather than the spread. That being said let’s take a look at the games on the docket.
Boston Celtics (36-21, 4th in Eastern Conference) @ Detroit Pistons (21-38, 12th in Eastern Conference)
Spread: Boston -9
Over/Under: 185
Money Lines: Boston -330, Detroit +245
Boston lost to the now 6-53 New Jersey Nets last week, at home. Boston has been without all-star forward Paul Pierce since February 18th and has gone 2-3 without him. Celtics Coach Doc Rivers said he is optimistic about Pierce practicing Monday and Pierce will likely play in this one. Even without Pierce, I like the Celtics in this game. Boston is actually a better road team (20-10) than they are at home (16-11).
Final: Boston 96 – Detroit 83
Sports Betting: Take the Celtics Money Line and the under.
Golden State Warriors (17-41, 14th in Western Conference) @ Miami Heat (29-31, 9th in Eastern Conference)
Spread: Miami -5
Over/Under: 206
Money Line: Miami -190, Golden State + 150
The Miami Heat slipped out of the last playoff spot by a half a game with a loss to Orlando on Sunday 96-80. Miami did get G Dwayne Wade back from injury in that game but his 21 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds not nearly enough in a game that was totally dominated by the superior Magic. Golden State however, is not superior to Miami with Wade back. Take Miami in this one as Golden State is a 4-23 road team.
Final: Miami 109 – Golden State 92
Bodog review: Take the Heat Money Line
Sacramento Kings (20-39, 13th in Western Conference @ Oklahoma City Thunder (35-23, 6th in Western Conference)
Spread: OK City -8.5
Over/Under: 208
Money Line: OK City – 225, Sacramento +170
Kevin Durant had his streak of consecutive games of 25 or points snapped at 29 games last week at San Antonio. He has since started a new streak in 2 games in consecutive blowout wins against Minnesota and Toronto. The Kings have added Carl Landry at the trading deadline for Kevin Martin and he may be helpful in guarding Durant. Durant however has looked unstoppable for most of the season now and the Thunder should be prohibitive favorites and should be able to win big.
Final: Thunder 116 – Sacramento 108
NBA Betting: Take the Thunder Money Line and the over.
Indiana Pacers (20-39, 14th in Eastern Conference) @ Los Angeles Lakers (45-15, 1st in Western Conference)
Spread: Lakers -15.5
Over/Under: 202
Money Line: Lakers -800, Pacers +480
The Lakers are coming off an impressive victory against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night. Ron Artest was able to get Carmelo Anthony into foul trouble and Carmelo fouling out helped as the Lakers with Kobe struggling mightily (3-17 FG). Don’t expect the light defending Pacers to be able to defend quite like J.R. Smith did on Kobe as the Lakers will cruise.
Final: Lakers 115 – Pacers 99
Parlay
Four-team Parlay: Heat, Lakers, Thunder and Celtics on the money line.
