Eastern Conference Semi-finals Game 1
Just when sports betting fans thought the NBA Playoffs couldn’t get any more exciting, the Eastern Conference pits two old rivals that have a long history of exciting playoff matches.
The Philadelphia 76ers will visit the Boston Celtics in what will be the 20th postseason meeting of the two franchises. The Celts hold a 12-7 record against the Sixers in the postseason, but the young and rising team from the City of Brotherly Love certainly won’t allow history to dictate their future.
There’s also the Toronto-Cleveland match-up that is sure to thrill online gambling and bring drama to betting websites, with the Raps eyeing to finally get over LeBron James.
Philadelphia 76ers @ Boston Celtics (May 01, 08:00 GMT+8)
Despite injuries to their star players, the Celtics pulled through and defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in a thrilling seven-game series. While that tells a lot about the team’s winning mentality, it also shows the genius of Brad Stevens who managed to win games despite his depleted lineup.
That sideline wizardry will be crucial again for Boston when they meet the Sixers who are not only more talented than the Bucks but also better coached with Brett Brown at the helm.
Ben Simmons has been on a tear for Philly, while Joel Embiid has been a monster on the defensive end despite his struggles on the offence since his return from injury.
Ball distribution and transition defence will be key for a Boston team lacking the offensive firepower. Fortunately, they’ll be playing first at TD Garden where they are difficult to beat—just ask the Bucks about that.
This game should be close, but there’s a good chance Boston would win. With that said, bet on the Celtics +2.50 @ 2.06.
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Toronto Raptors (May 02, 08:00 GMT+8)
Let’s take a moment and appreciate LeBron James who has single-handedly lifted the Cleveland Cavaliers to the second round—read that as 45 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
LeBron simply knows how to win games when it matters, and the Cavs need him to do that for another four or more games against the Toronto Raptors—unarguably the best team in the East this season.
Toronto are at a psychological disadvantage in this game. They have met LeBron and the Cavs in the postseason the last two years, and they lost both times including a sweep in the conference semi-finals last year.
Of course, another winless series is unlikely to happen this time. After all, the Raps are better than their 2016-17 selves and boast one of the best bench units in the league.
However, the problem for Toronto is how they can stop LeBron. Both DeMarre Carroll and P.J. Tucker failed to neutralise him in the regular season, with the King scoring 35 and 27 in their March and April games to lead the Cavs to a 2-1 series victory.
If there’s any silver lining for Toronto, it’s that they have the rest and home-court advantage in this opening match.
Another tight affair might be on the books, but betting on Cleveland +6.00 @ 2.00 seems a good move to take.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
