With an NBA regular season that has been shortened by the lockout, it hasn’t taken long for us to get a significant sample of what to expect in the association this year, as teams have been forced to play a ton of games in a condensed schedule of sports betting contests. While the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder have exploded out of the gate, the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic have struggled early on, and heading in to a key matchup between the two teams early next week an interesting storyline has developed.
Orlando Magic @ New York Knicks
Monday, 1:00 PM ET
While the Magic would do everything in their power to keep All Star center Dwight Howard in their lineup long term, the pending unrestricted free agent has made it clear that he has other plans, and according to his list of desired moves the Knicks appear to be no. 1. Orlando would obviously prefer not to trade Howard to another team within the same conference, they may not have a choice, and that could be New York’s gain. The Knicks could use Howard’s services down low to compliment the play of Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudamire, and they will look to give him a sample of why he should move to New York when the two teams go up against eachother in a Monday betting sites matinee.
NBA Betting Pick: New York Knicks
Chicago Bulls @ Memphis Grizzlies
Monday, 1:00 PM ET
The Bulls are another team that would have obvious interest in Howard, but then again, who wouldn’t? Unlike the Knicks, Chicago has two young centers of their own Joakim Noah and Omer Asik that have been carrying the load down low, as well as veteran forward Carlos Boozer. The presence of reigning MVP Derrick Rose in their backcourt has made that trip that much better, and the Bulls will look to continue their strong start to the season when they travel to Memphis to play a Grizzlies’ team that has struggled out of the gate and should be the underdog at home according to the sportbook odds.
NBA Betting Pick: Chicago Bulls
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Boston Celtics
Monday, 8:00 PM ET
When the Celtics traded Kendrick Perkins to the Thunder last season, few could have projected that it would be the start of a significant downturn for Boston and the last piece needed to make Oklahoma City a true contender. Perkins continues to log significant minutes for the Thunder and do a lot of the dirty work down low, something that an aging veteran core in Boston sorely misses. Kevin Durant is a legitimate superstar and James Harden is transforming in to one of the better young guards in the game, and that depth has helped lift Oklahoma City to top spot in the Western conference this season. Don’t expect for them to slow down any time soon, as they look to make a statement on the road at the TD Garden.
NBA Betting Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder