Most bettors felt they had NBA odds figured out for round one and, though the final results were fairly predictable, most series were much tougher than expected. Will round two be easy to forecast or will it bring some sportsbook upsets?Lakers vs Rockets odds: Lakers -1200
The Lakers mopped the floor with the Jazz in round one of playoff hoops betting. They’re heavily favored to beat the Rockets too, but this is a much more interesting series. All-World defender Ron Artest (and possibly Shane Battier) will guard Kobe Bryant in what should be a great chess match. While the Lakers probably don’t have an answer for Yao Ming beneath the basket, they’re superior in most other facets of the game. Offense will beat defense here as the Lakers prevail on Kobe’s shoulders, but they’ll have to work for it.
Betting online pick: Lakers in six
Nuggets vs Mavericks odds: Nuggets -425
In a sense, this is one of the easier NBA playoff picks for round two simply because Denver already has a head start after winning Game 1. The Mavs are in tough; usually you don’t beat a high-flying offensive team by trying to be “more high-flying” then they are. The Mavs deserve a pat on the back for toppling the Spurs in NBA betting, but the Chauncey Billups show will lead the Nuggets to a West Final appearance.
Betting online pick: Nuggets in six
Cavaliers vs Hawks odds: Cavaliers -2800
This is the cinchiest of the NBA lines to predict, sure, but the Cavaliers vs Hawks odds aren’t quite the “nothing to see here” matchup Cleveland had against Detroit in round one. The Hawks are among the NBA’s deepest teams and, even though Josh Smith and co. won’t stop LeBron James, they have the horses to at least put serious pressure on the Cavs’ secondary scorers to deliver. The Hawks can probably steal one game at home in this series – two if Joe Johnson finds himself – but that’s pushing it. Mo Williams will awaken now that the Cavs have to “try.”
Betting online pick: Cavaliers in five
Celtics vs Magic odds: Magic -120
The Celtics limp into what has to be the closet second-round NBA betting matchup on paper. Some fans of sports betting online are shocked to see the Magic opening on the road as overall series favorites, but the Celtics played the equivalent of roughly nine basketball games in their epic seven-game war against the Bulls. The Magic played six and Dwight Howard only played five because of his suspension, so he should be fresh as a daisy for this series. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce will burn out. Rajon Rondo should be a force again, but the Magic will shoot the lights out and work the ball inside to Howard if the Celtics defend the perimeter well. The Magic will edge Boston but will need to do it at home in Game 6. If the series reaches a seventh game, the Celtics odds will prevail.
Betting online pick: Magic in six
