The second round for the Eastern Conference NBA playoffs are now here and the online betting world can finally join the Cavaliers in saying: “FINALLY!” Crisis adverted by the favorites in their lengthy series, as they managed to put away the plucky underdogs that made them really sweat this time around.
The Hawks, Raptors and Heat all closed out their respective series convincingly and are now ready to take on a whole new challenge, but not after being pushed to the limit in their series. Meanwhile in Cleveland LeBron James and the Cavaliers enjoyed a well-earned rest to prepare for the second round, and with the advantage of being able to reach this instances fresher than the rest of the teams in the NBA playoffs.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Atlanta Hawks
It really shouldn’t be that much of a surprise to anybody that online betting sites have the Cavaliers as heavy favorites to win this series (currently they are at -550). After handling the Pistons with authority, the Cavs demonstrated that “if you come at the king, you best not miss.” The Pistons tried their best in all four games but Cleveland just had more depth and enough offensive power to out play them all the way through the series. Not that the Cavaliers cruised their way to the second NBA playoffs round, they really had to work for their wins, but they did so sending a statement, by scoring over 100 points in all four games.
The Atlanta Hawks had a difficult series matchup against Boston. Having the series go to six games, the Celtics fought back at home and for the moment the series was hinting that it could go to seven games. However, the Hawks capitalized and were able to put down a very combative Celtics team. The biggest sports betting takeaway from their first round is that when in need the Hawk can be effective in offense and hard on defense. It will be interesting to see how they will matchup against the Cavaliers. Also, it should be pointed out that in the first round the Hawks averaged a 102 points a game, so online betting on the over might be a good safe wager.
Despite Atlanta’s mission to get revenge on the Cavaliers from the Eastern Conference Finals of last year, where they were swept. Cleveland is going to be too much for them. Atlanta might get a win or maybe two at home. But the series is not passing over 6 games.
Heat vs. Raptors
After both teams survived game 7 of their respective first round series, the #3 Heat and the #2 Raptors are ready to battle it out for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals. In the post season their narrative has been very similar as they were stunned by the underdogs on their series and both teams came back from the brink of elimination. This matchup promises to be very tight and a potential candidate for 7 games.
During the regular season the Raptors had the Heat’s number as they dominated them 3-1, one of them in overtime. But after how the Pacers were able to take it to the Raptors and how they were really close of losing the series, one is tempted to think that the Heat might be the actual online betting favorites here. The odds will likely favor the Raptors home court advantage, but the Heat has been able to demonstrate their personality and experience. Also, Goran Dragic and Dwyane Wade are lighting up when their team needs them the most. The Raptors might be a strong candidate with a glass jaw.
This series will go to seven games, and in dramatic fashion, Wade will carry this team out and put the Heat face to face with LeBron James in the next round. Online Betting fans can begin to salivate.