You.
Hey YOU!
I know the NBA Finals odds aren’t your dream Kobe-LeBron matchup; you’re probably pissed that you don’t get Federer-Nadal in the French Open odds too, right? But seriously, put down the box of tissue. You’re getting Superman vs Kobe, for cryin’ out loud, It’s not like we’re watching Spurs-Pistons here!
The Lakers vs Magic odds, even without King James and the Cavs, still pit two of the hugest stars in the sport against one another. It’s the best big man in the business, Dwight Howard, versus the best scoring machine this side of LeBron, Kobe Bryant. Interestingly enough, though, the series will be decided by the supporting cast, not the stars.
Lakers-Magic odds: Game 1 Thursday, June 4 at 9:05 p.m. ET
Lakers NBA Finals odds: -280
Magic NBA Finals odds: +230
Follow the link to view the complete 2009 NBA Finals TV Schedule.
Many offshore sportsbook bettors are plenty excited about the NBA Finals odds, as they feel the Magic offer nice value and have a real chance to upset L.A. After all, few pundits expected them to get past the Celtics and, especially, the Cavaliers, so isn’t it time to give them respect? They also swept the Lakers 2-0 in the season series, winning a game at Staples Center. So why can’t they beat the Lakers now?
I’ll tell you why.
First off, home-court advantage will play a role in this series. Yes, the Magic won in L.A. during the regular season and, yes, they won a Game 7 on the road against the Celtics, and those are impressive accomplishments. However, no team in NBA history has won two road Game 7s in one playoffs, so the hoops betting odds are stacked against the Magic. The Lakers have had their hiccups here and there but they’re still dominant at Staples Center. Should the series go to a Game 7, they’d have a decided advantage.
Some basketball betting fans feel we can’t dismiss the Magic’s great regular-season play against the Lakers, especially with Jameer Nelson possibly returning for the series. However, the playoffs are a different beast and the Lakers are much more seasoned in that regard, as Kobe and Derek Fisher’s ring collections suggest. As for Nelson, he may not be 100 per cent if he plays and there’s no telling what could happen to the team chemistry upon his return. Can you say Ewing Theory?
The most important misconception among NBA Championship odds bettors is that the Magic have the advantage in the paint because of Dwight Howard. He is undoubtedly Planet Earth’s undisputed king of the paint, but he’s just one man. After him, the Magic seriously lack toughness and scoring depth inside; that’s a major problem considering how often Howard gets into foul trouble. He had 32 fouls in the Cavaliers series. 
The Lakers have Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. How can Howard stop all three?
The Magic’s outside shooting has been amazing, with Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu and even Rafer Alston draining three-balls like crazy. But outside shooting can go cold; inside scoring is much more consistent, so the scoring edge has to go to the Lakers.
THE VERDICT
The Magic are a cohesive team that spreads the ball around well, so they won’t go quietly against the Lakers. Two or three wins are entirely possible. However, the Lakers have what Cleveland had – an All-World scorer in Kobe Bryant – plus much more depth, especially inside. They’ll be too much for the Magic to handle, as they can beat them in so many ways.
Best sportsbook pick: Lakers in six
Follow the link to join BetOnline and get in on the betting action for the 2009 NBA Finals and receive a $125 initial deposite bonus.
What is your prediction for the NBA FInals?
Who will win the 2009 NBA Finals?
- Orlando Magic (32%, 109 Votes)
- Los Angeles Lakers (68%, 227 Votes)
Total Voters: 336
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