The NBA playoffs have already produced several interesting storylines and entertaining games.
Shaquille O’Neal, who was acquired by the Phoenix Suns to try and provide an answer to the Spurs’ Tim Duncan, hasn’t been able to foil the San Antonio star, which is one of the reasons Phoenix is down 2-0 in the series.
The Washington Wizards have been smacking Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James around but the King has risen above the knocks and has his team up 2-0.
Looking at a couple of upcoming playoff matchups, there are some interesting trends to make note of.
Boston Celtics at Atlanta Hawks
Everyone is expecting the Boston Celtics to come out of the Eastern Conference—the Celtics are a steep -600 fav to be the Eastern champion and the odds-on to win the whole thing at +140.
Boston’s first round opponent is the Atlanta Hawks and the Celtics currently have a 2-0 series lead—having defeated Atlanta SU and ATS in both postseason matchups. The two teams meet on Saturday in Atlanta, with the Celtics as an 8-point favorite.
Of interest to bettors might be taking a look at the Over/Under numbers. Atlanta and Boston have not only stayed Under the number in both playoff games; they’ve gone Under in every one of their matchups this season.
As it stands, the Celtics and Hawks have produced no overs and 5 unders in their last five meetings. The total is set at 187 at SPORTSBETTING.COM
So far, early betting volume is coming in on the Under at a 61% clip.
Will the streak go up to six?
New Orleans Hornets at Dallas Mavericks
From a geographical perspective, the New Orleans Hornets are playing in the wrong conference and division, and the travel can be taxing on the players through 82 regular season games, but the Hornets aren’t playing like a worn-out group.
After finishing the regular season as the Western Conference’s second seed and Southwest Division champion, the Hornets have a 2-0 series lead on Dallas. Now they will play the next two games on the road. They are a 5-point dog in the first matchup in Dallas.
New Orleans was favored in the first two matchups of the series and has made it look easy, covering the numbers while beating the Mavericks by a combined 36 points (104-92 and 127-103).
However, New Orleans dropped two matchups at American Airlines Center in Texas SU and ATS during the regular season.
Looking at the Over/Under numbers in this one, these two have combined for a mark of 6 overs and only 1 under the last seven times they’ve hooked up. Early bettors are hitting the “Over” at a 73% clip so far.
We’re in store for another great weekend of NBA hoops action.
Head to SPORTSBETTING.COM for all your NBA playoff wagers and have a good weekend.
