The Favorites – 2012 Preakness Stakes Odds, Free Picks and Predictions

Had the Kentucky Derby been just a little bit shorter, Bodemeister would be the horse pursuing a potential Triple Crown. The good news for Bob Baffert’s horse is that the Preakness is shorter by a furlong, which could eliminate the late fade that cost him in the Run for the Roses. After Bodemeister set a record-setting pace at Churchill Downs up until the final stretch, it’s hard not love the horse’s chances at getting the job done in a shorter event. The Preakness should play to the strengths of the sprinter’s blazing speed.

After winning the Kentucky Derby, I’ll Have Another deserves to get the benefit of the doubt. The horse didn’t have the resume of the other top contenders, but when it mattered most, he was the strongest over the long haul on the big stage. Granted, the fast, dry track expected this weekend, along with the shorter distance, in the Preakness isn’t ideal for a horse built for stamina. However, I’ll Have Another surprised the supposedly better horses once. Why can’t he do it again?

The Dark Horses – 2012 Preakness Stakes Odds, Free Picks and Predictions

The distance of the Kentucky Derby proved too much for Creative Cause, but the horse should be able to get back on track at Pimlico. The shorter length of the race is more conducive to the events the horse is used to running, and prior to the Kentucky Derby, Creative Cause had finished third or better in all eight career starts, including four wins. Facing a race setup that he is more comfortable with, Creative Cause should be much more of as factor at the front than he was at Churchill Downs.

He surprised a lot of people with a fourth-place showing at the Kentucky Derby, and Went The Day Well is back for more this weekend at Pimlico. Yes, two of the three horses that finished ahead of him at Churchill Downs are in the field this weekend, but his strong surge to climb up the running order in the final furlong in the Kentucky Derby was impressive. If Went The Day Well can avoid the poor break from the gate that put him behind two weeks ago, a similar late-race surge could put him in the mix for a win.

The Sleepers – 2012 Preakness Stakes Odds, Free Picks and Predictions

He wasn’t in the field for the Kentucky Derby, but Zetterholm could make a splash when he joins the action at Pimlico. He is riding a three-race win streak entering the Preakness Stakes, and he has had about a month off to prepare for and rest up for this weekend’s Triple Crown event. It is a bit of an unknown as to whether or not Zetterholm will be overwhelmed by the tougher competition or the distance of the Preakness Stakes, but given the fact that he appears to be peaking entering Saturday’s race, he is an intriguing wild card that has been added to the mix.

For now, it appears Isn’t He Clever and Hansen aren’t going to be in the field for Saturday’s big race at Pimlico. However, both horses are worth keeping an eye on in case they do end up entering the mix. A rough break ruined Hansen’s Kentucky Derby before it really began, but the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champ could fare much better on a smaller track against a smaller field. Meanwhile, Isn’t He Clever was sired by Smarty Jones, a horse that won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 2004, before finishing second in the Belmont. With that bloodline, Isn’t He Clever could make some noise if he does end up entering the race.

Updated Odds to Win the 2012 Preakness Stakes
I’ll Have Another wins Preakness +325
Field wins Preakness Stakes -475
NOTE: Full Odds for All Horses to be announced soon(check back)

Check updated 2012 Preakness Stakes Odds and updated 2012 Preakness Stakes Predictions from the National Sports Advisors!

2012 Preakness Stakes Vegas Odds and Free Picks – Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers to Win the 137th Preakness originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 16, 2012.

The All-Star Race has seen a number of memorable finishes and a number of format changes over the years, and this year’s event will feature a five-segment setup for the first time ever. The race will total 100 laps, with the first four segments lasting 20 laps each. The final dash to the finish will total 10 laps, with all drivers being required to make a pit stop prior to the final segment. The twist is that the winners of the first four segments will be the first four drivers down pit road prior to the 10-lap shootout. As always, Charlotte Motor Speedway will play host to the race.

Last year’s race boiled down to a duel between two of NASCAR’s biggest stars. After Greg Biffle dominated the early segments, Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch worked their way to the front in the second half of the race. Busch used some great restarts to grab the lead, but in the end, he just wasn’t able to hold off Edwards. Once Edwards got out front, he set sail toward his first All-Star Race win and never looked back.

The Favorites – 2012 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Odds, Predictions and Free Picks

Coming off a win in the Southern 500, Jimmie Johnson could be poised to go on a serious run. He is a two-time winner of the All-Star Race and a six-time winner at Charlotte. Johnson’s 10.5 average finish at the track is the second best among active drivers, and his 108.9 driver rating in the All-Star Race is tops among drivers in this weekend’s field.

He has done everything at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Cup Series but win a race, and it seems like a matter of when and not if Kyle Busch will get to Victory Lane at the track. He has finished eighth or better in eight of his last nine starts at Charlotte, and he has the second-best All-Star Race driver rating of any driver in this year’s event. To top it off, Busch is running as well as he has all year entering the race, having reeled off three straight top-five finishes.

The Dark Horses – 2012 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Odds, Predictions and Free Picks

After a slow start, Kasey Kahne rolls into All-Star weekend as one of the hottest drivers in the Cup Series, and that could be bad news for the competition. He is a three-time winner at Charlotte, and he is a former All-Star Race winner, as well. Not only that, Kahne has shown he can win from anywhere in the field. He started dead last in his 2008 All-Star victory after needing to be voted in by the fans just to make the race.

Matt Kenseth has been smooth and steady all year, but Saturday’s All-Star Race could be his chance to make some noise. His 6.9 average finish in the event is the best among drivers in the field, and won the All-Star Race in 2004. Kenseth’s record at Charlotte is equally impressive, and it includes a pair of wins, including a victory at the track last fall.

Sleeper Specials – 2012 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Odds, Predictions and Free Picks

When the field is loaded with nothing but stars, even point leader Greg Biffle can fly under the radar. To be fair, he has never won at Charlotte, and his 17.8 average finish isn’t exactly outstanding. However, he led the most laps in last year’s All-Star Race, and he has been without question the best driver in 2012. Biffle could end his Charlotte drought in a big way this weekend.

Although he is a former winner at Charlotte, Tony Stewart’s overall record at the track is very mediocre. Still, he is the defending Cup Series champ and has been the dominant driver at 1.5-mile tracks dating back to last year’s Chase. Stewart also won the All-Star Race in 2009, and his track record of performing at a high level in big races easily overshadows his less than stellar results at Charlotte during the regular season.

Big Name to Avoid – 2012 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Odds, Predictions and Free Picks

He won the Coca-Cola 600 in 2010 and the All-Star Race in the same season, but Kurt Busch is in a different situation this season. He has struggled with Phoenix Racing all year, and he just got put on probation for his actions after last weekend’s race at Darlington. Busch has always had a short temper and poor attitude, and for the first time in his career, he doesn’t have the equipment to mask his flaws with his performance on the track.

Be sure to check the NSAwins.com Betting Daily Blog all week for updated 2012 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race odds, free tips, free picks, predictions and articles from NASCAR expert tipster Brian Polking. NSAwins.com is your home for 2012 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Betting Odds and Handicapping coverage!

2012 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Odds – May 19th at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Driver Odds to Win the 2012 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race
101 Jimmie Johnson +600
102 Tony Stewart +700
103 Kyle Busch +700
104 Matt Kenseth +900
105 Greg Biffle +900
106 Carl Edwards +900
107 Denny Hamlin +1100
108 Kevin Harvick +1100
109 Kasey Kahne +1200
110 Jeff Gordon +1200
111 Brad Keselowski +1200
112 Clint Bowyer +2500
113 Mark Martin +2500
114 Ryan Newman +2500
115 Kurt Busch +3000
116 Field +800

Check the latest NASCAR Odds and Betting Lines from BOVADA below:

2012 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Odds, Free Picks and Predictions – Favorites and Sleepers to Win All Star Race originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 16, 2012.

Entering the series, the Spurs are without question the hottest team in the NBA, having won 14 straight games and 27 of their last 29. San Antonio swept the Utah Jazz in the opening round, giving their veteran stars plenty of time to rest. Meanwhile, the Clippers nearly coughed up a 3-1 lead in their series against Memphis, before finally closing things out in Game 7. Throw in nagging injuries to Los Angeles stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, and the well-rested Spurs have to be considered better equipped to handle the fatigue that comes with a postseason run.

During the regular season, San Antonio took two out of three meetings with the Clippers, with the lone win for Los Angeles coming in early March courtesy of an incredible assault from beyond the arc. The Clippers hit 14 of their 27 3-point attempts in the victory. Meanwhile, the Spurs’ two wins came via an overtime thriller and a blowout. San Antonio may be the top seed and red hot, but based on the regular season results, this series could be up for grabs.

The premier matchup will be Paul versus Tony Parker at the point guard spot. Paul is widely considered the best pure point man in the NBA, but surprisingly, Parker actually averaged more assists in their head-to-head meetings. Both players averaged more than 22 points per game, and they are without question the most important players on their teams and the main reason both sides were among the best at not turning the ball over. In fact, they have such similar roles as floor generals that the matchup could end up being a wash.

One area that drastically favors San Antonio is depth. With athletic young players like Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, Gary Neal and Tiago Splitter coming off the bench, along with veteran Stephen Jackson, the Spurs have plenty of firepower to support veteran starters Tim Duncan, Parker and Manu Ginobili. Meanwhile, the Clippers have almost no consistent bench scoring to fall back on, especially in the post. San Antonio averaged the second-most points per game in the NBA team this season, and there is a good chance Los Angeles could have trouble keeping up.

The two X-factors in the series could be 3-point shooting and free throw shooting. San Antonio had the best 3-point percentage of any team during the regular season, while the Clippers ranked outside the top 10. With more shooters and better shooters, the odds are definitely in the Spurs’ favor in a best-of-seven format. More importantly, Los Angeles had the second-worst free throw percentage of any team this season. With as many bodies as San Antonio has, the Spurs can afford to get physical with Griffin and center DeAndre Jordan and force them to earn their points from the foul line.

In the end, San Antonio is just the deeper, more efficient team. Paul has been able to mask a lot of the Clippers’ problems throughout the year, but the constantly underrated Parker is closer to his equal than most people give him credit for. The Spurs are the better offensive team in this matchup, and there is a reason they have been running over the rest of the league. They are well rested and healthy, and the Clippers aren’t. This should be another quick series for the Spurs.

Prediction: San Antonio Spurs Win in 5 Games

Los Angeles Clippers vs San Antonio Spurs Series Price
Los Angeles Clippers +1300
San Antonio Spurs -2200

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2012 LA Clippers vs San Antonio Spurs Thunder Series Price, Odds and Predictions – NBA Western Conference Semifinals Picks originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 15, 2012.

2012 HP Byron Nelson Championship Odds to win – May 17th-May 20th
Odds to win the 2012 HP Byron Nelson Championship
401 Phil Mickelson +1015
402 Matt Kuchar +1215
403 Adam Scott +1415
404 Keegan Bradley +1815
405 Jason Dufner +2050
406 Jason Day +2050
407 Louis Oosthuizen +2050
408 Carl Pettersson +3050
409 Ernie Els +3050
410 Jeff Overton +4050
411 John Rollins +4050
412 Brian Davis +4050
413 Brian Gay +4050
414 Ryan Palmer +4550
415 Johnson Wagner +4550
416 Padraig Harrington +5250
417 Charles Howell +6050
418 D A Points +6050
419 Pat Perez +6550
420 Scott Piercy +6550
421 Jhonattan Vegas +6550
422 Y E Yang +6550
423 Seung-Yul Noh +7050
424 Greg Chalmers +7050
425 J B Holmes +7550
426 John Huh +6550
427 Robert Garrigus +7550
428 Jimmy Walker +7550
429 Ken Duke +8050
430 Boo Weekley +8050

2012 HP Byron Nelson Championship Odds, Predictions and Free Picks – Favorites to Win and Vegas Opening Odds originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 14, 2012.

After dispatching the Philadelphia Flyers in five games, there is no question that the sixth-seeded Devils are the more rested team in this series. In contrast, the top-seeded Rangers have had anything but an easy path to the conference finals, needing seven games to get by the eighth-seeded Ottawa Senators and seventh-seeded Washington Capitals. Even though New York won the Atlantic Division during the regular season and New Jersey finished fourth, a strong argument can be made that the Devils are playing the better hockey entering this series.

A big reason for the New Jersey’s sudden surge is the improved play of goalie Martin Brodeur. The future Hall of Famer has carried the Devils to championships in the past, and even at age 40, he is playing his best on the biggest stage. He has a 2.05 goals against average and a .920 save percentage in the postseason, which is nearly half a goal better than during the regular season. Brodeur may not be perennial Vezina Trophy contenders he used to be, but might just have a Stanley Cup run left in him.

Of course, the Rangers boast a goaltender that has supplanted Broduer as the steadiest in the NHL in Henrik Lundqvist. He finished third in the league in save percentage during the regular season and was tied for third with eight shutouts. In the postseason, his 1.68 GAA is the second best of any goaltender, and his .940 save percentage is third best. By the numbers, Lundqvist is the superior net minder in this series, but until he and the Rangers break through and win a title, the mental edge is going to side with Brodeur and the Devils.

With physical defense a given between these two long-time rivals and goalies on both sides playing their best, this series will likely come down to which team can score the tough goals in key situations. For the Rangers, veterans Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik have been the delivering big goals all year. Richards and Gaborik rank first and second for New York with 11 and 10 points in the postseason, and Richards has delivered a team-high six goals. The two have been the Rangers’ top offensive weapons, and the fact that teams are still struggling to slow them down bodes well for New York’s chances.

Meanwhile, the Devils boast three legitimate scoring stars in Ilya Kovalchuk, Zach Parise and David Clarkson. All three scored at least 30 goals during the regular season, and all three have at least eight points in the playoffs. Kovalchuk is leading the way with 12 points, despite missing one game. New Jersey could also have the X-factor in the series in center Travis Zajac. He missed almost the entire regular season with an Achilles’ injury, but he is making up for lost time in the playoffs. Zajac already has five goals and five assists, and he has been the extra firepower on offense that the Devils were missing most of the year.

Even though the Rangers are the No. 1 seed and won the same division the Devils finished fourth in, these teams are much-more evenly matched than those numbers indicate. New York won just three more games than New Jersey, more importantly, they split their six meetings. Lundqvist is the better goaltender at this stage in his career, but Brodeur is far from washed up. In addition, the Devils have more weapons on offense and appear to be peaking at the right time. New York has been advancing by the slimmest of margins this postseason, but the Rangers’ luck will likely run out against a red hot New Jersey team.

Prediction: New Jersey Devils Win in 6 Games

Get expert NHL handicapping picks, tips and predictions daily from World Champion Handicapper Sonny LaFouchi(aka The LEGEND) only on NSAwins.com! Plus check out daily updated odds to win the 2012 Stanley Cup!

New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers Series Price
New Jersey Devils +120
New York Rangers -140

New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers Series Odds, Price and Predictions – 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Finals Predictions originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 14, 2012.

2012 NBA Western Conference Playoffs Semifinals Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Series Predictions and Previews:

It’s tough to say which team has more confidence entering this series. On one hand, the Thunder is coming off a sweep of the defending NBA champion Dallas Mavericks, while the Lakers nearly choked away a 3-1 series lead to sixth-seeded Denver. However, Los Angeles has a core of players that includes five-time champ Kobe Bryant that has won multiple titles together, while Kevin Durant and Oklahoma City are still searching for their first title. The Thunder also took two out of the three meetings with Los Angeles during the year, but Durant and company did choke away a huge lead before falling in double overtime to the Lakers in the final regular season meeting. Add it all up, and neither team can claim to have a mental edge in this matchup.

On the court, premier scorers Durant and Bryant will be on center stage. Bryant averaged more than 24 points per game against the Thunder during the regular season, but he actually struggled in terms of shooting percentage. The Lakers will need Bryant to score plenty of points in this series, but he will need to do it in a more efficient manner. Durant, on the other, shot more than 50 percent from the field in the Thunder’s two wins against the Lakers. He will likely be seeing plenty of World Peace throughout the series, but Durant’s versatile scoring ability has allowed him to get the better of the Lakers’ best defender more often than not. Bryant’s desire to win and reputation in the postseason can’t be overlooked, but Durant appears to be better equipped to outplay Bryant.

Another matchup that favors the Thunder is at the point guard spot, where Russell Westbrook should eat Los Angeles guard Ramon Sessions alive. Westbrook is one of the fastest and most explosive guards in the NBA, and the Lakers just don’t have the perimeter defenders to contain him. He shredded the Los Angeles defense for 36 points in a Thunder win in late March, and at times, he can be as deadly as Durant on the offensive end. If Westbrook balances his scoring ability with his duties as a distributor, Oklahoma City should have an edge in the backcourt all series long.

For the Lakers, controlling the paint will be the key to advancing to the conference finals. With Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol in the frontcourt, the Lakers should have a big edge when it comes to interior scoring and rebounding. I say should because it took a verbal lashing from Bryant to get the two players to show any kind of effort last round. Another potential issue facing Los Angeles is that Oklahoma City big men Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins are both physical, athletic defenders. Even if Ibaka and Perkins don’t score a basket, they can win the series for the Thunder simply by keeping Gasol and Bynum off the offensive glass and forcing them into tough shots. Durant, Westbrook and Bryant may be the headliners, but this series will likely be won in the trenches.

If there is an X-factor in the series outside of the mental state of Bynum and Gasol, it could be Harden. The Sixth Man of the Year gives the Thunder the deeper roster in this matchup almost by himself, and his scoring punch of the bench can’t be matched by any Lakers’ reserve. Harden is also going to be extremely motivated to face World Peace and the Lakers, who left him with a concussion the last time they met.

At the end of the day, any team with Bryant and two talented seven-footers can’t be dismissed, especially when they are just two years removed from a title. However, the Thunder has shown this postseason that they are not only talented enough to win a championship, but mentally ready for the challenge. Sweeping the team that eliminated them in last year’s conference finals was a serious statement for Durant and company. Oklahoma City has more offensive firepower, a deeper team, and two solid interior defenders. The Lakers are going to be lucky to keep up.

Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder Win in 6 Games

Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Series Price
Los Angeles Lakers +340
Oklahoma City Thunder -440

Get the latest NBA odds daily on NSAwins.com plus visit for NBA expert predictions and updated 2012 NBA Championship Odds.

2012 LA Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Series Price, Odds and Predictions – NBA Western Conference Semifinals Picks originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 14, 2012.

Defense has been the theme of this very competitive series. Both sides have reached 100 or more points only once in the first six games, and one of those games went to overtime. The defensive-oriented series would have seemed to favor the Grizzlies, who ranked fifth in the NBA in scoring defense and were a much better rebounding team than the Clippers during the regular season. However, Los Angeles has more than held its own playing at Memphis’ pace, and with six five of the six games being decided by seven points or less, including three by two points or less, there is no reason to expect anything but another close game Sunday.

There is no secret to why the Grizzlies have turned the table on the Clippers the last two games. The Memphis frontcourt of center Marc Gasol and power forward Zach Randolph dominated the paint in Game 5 and Game 6, playing the physical game that was Grizzlies’ calling card all season. If Gasol and Randolph continue to punish the Clippers inside, another Grizzlies’ victory could be on tap. The style of play has also taken a toll on the health of Los Angeles stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, who are both nursing nagging injuries heading into Sunday’s crucial game.

Of course, Los Angeles has one of the top weapons in the NBA in Paul. Arguably the best pure point guard in the game, his ability to direct an offense and control the pace of a game gives the Clippers a fighting chance against any opponent. However, the hip injury he suffered in Game 5 appears to playing a factor. Paul’s production dipped after in the injury, and it carried over into Game 6. Paul is the type of player that can play through pain and do so at a high level, but having their best player at less than 100 percent is definitely a hurdle for the Clippers.

For the Grizzlies, the X-factor in the game could be small forward Rudy Gay. His length and athleticism make him tough to defend, and when he is aggressive, he can take over a game on the offensive end. If push comes to shove and the Memphis big men are struggling, Gay could come to the rescue. The Clippers, on the other hand, don’t really have a perimeter scorer they can depend on. Nick Young, Mo Williams and Caron Butler have all had decent games every now and then, but all three players have struggled with consistency.

In the end, the size advantage of Memphis coupled with the injuries to the Clippers’ two best players just doesn’t bode well for Los Angeles. The Grizzlies have already stolen the momentum, and with the home crowd on their side, they should be able to get the job done and move on. However, the nature of this series makes a six-point spread a bit daunting. Injured or not, Paul and company won’t go down without a fight.

Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers (+7.5) Cover the Spread

Current Odds: Favorite - Memphis -7.5 Total - OVER/UNDER 176.5

Get the latest NBA odds daily on NSAwins.com plus visit for NBA expert predictions and updated 2012 NBA Championship Odds.

Game 7 Los Angeles Clippers @ Memphis Grizzlies Odds and Predictions – Free NBA Playoff Picks 5/13/2012 originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 13, 2012.

2012 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs Semifinals Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Series Predictions and Previews:

The series figures to be a defensive struggle, with some excellent half-court basketball being played by both sides. Boston and Philadelphia ranked second and third in terms of points allowed this season, with both sides holding opponents to less than 90 points per game. The Celtics also led the league in opponent field goal percentage, while the 76ers ranked fourth in the category. Throw in the fact that both offenses ranked in the bottom 10 in terms of points per game, and there is a good chance that points will be tough to come by for as long as this series takes. Philadelphia won two of the three meetings with Boston this season, but both teams protected their home court, and the Celtics routed the 76ers in the final meeting in early April.

Boston has the two best players on the court in this series in point guard Rajon Rondo and small forward Paul Pierce. Rondo is particularly valuable because of his playmaking ability. The Celtics may not be a high-scoring team, but they are very efficient on the offensive end, ranking fifth in the NBA during the regular season. Rondo has had at  least 10 assists in 29 of his last 30 games, and getting his teammates open shots will be crucial against a tough Philadelphia defense. Throw in Pierce’s ability to close out tight games, and Boston’s edge in experience and star power cannot be overstated.

For their part, the 76ers have an edge in speed, depth and athleticism. Philadelphia has one of the youngest teams in the NBA, and while the lack of experience can be a disadvantage in the postseason, the 76ers also have a chance to push the tempo and wear out the older Celtics. Philadelphia also has the two best bench players in the series in guard Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young, and both players are capable of providing the added scoring bunch that could tip the scales in any games.

The X-factor in the series could be Boston’s Kevin Garnett. The veteran big man has been playing center for the depleted Boston frontcourt, and he seemed very motivated in the close out game against Atlanta in the opening round. Garnett dropped 28 points and 14 rebounds in Game 6, while logging three steals and five blocks. He looked every bit the player that won an MVP and a Defensive Player of the Year Award during his career. Facing an aging Elton Brand and an inexperienced Spencer Hawes in the Philadelphia frontcourt, the big games could just be beginning for the “Big Ticket.”

In the end, it is just hard to believe that the 76ers are ready to step up and knock off the Celtics. Yes, they knocked off a Chicago team that won the most games during the regular season, but losing a player like Rose made the Bulls a much different team. Boston on the other hand knows this is likely the final chance for this group of players to win a title. The Celtics’ style of play is built for the postseason, and they are as battle-tested as any team in either conference. Philadelphia’s speed could give Boston some issues, but the experience of Pierce and Garnett, along with the playmaking of Rondo, will be too much for the 76ers.

Prediction: Boston Celtics Win in 6 Games

Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics
Philadelphia 76ers +180
Boston Celtics -220

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2012 Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics Series Price, Odds and Predictions – NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Picks originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 11, 2012.

2012 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs Semifinals Indiana Pacers vs Miami Heat Series Predictions and Previews:

Neither team was really tested in the first round. The Pacers got a Magic squad without superstar Dwight Howard and promptly took care of Orlando in five games. Meanwhile, Miami dismissed a New York Knicks that has had a rough time winning any playoff games in the last decade, let alone a series. Like Indiana, the Heat needed just five games to advance to the semifinals. Needless to say, both sides will be well rested entering their series.

Depending on how you look at the regular season results, both teams have reason to be optimistic. Miami took three out of the four meetings, including a 35-point demolition of Indiana early in the year, but the Pacers won the final meeting in late March. Indiana also trimmed its margin of defeat in each of the first three games. Yes, the Heat won the regular season series 3-1. However, the Pacers appeared to be getting more comfortable facing with each passing game.

On paper, both teams put up similar numbers throughout the regular season. Miami had a slight edge on the offense, averaging 98.5 points per game compared to 97.7 for the Pacers. The Heat also had the advantage on defense, allowing just 92.5 points per game. Meanwhile, Indiana allowed opponents to score 94.4 points per game. Indiana does have a sizeable advantage in rebounding on Miami, but the Heat has an equally large advantage in field goal percentage. In general, Miami will look to push the tempo and play in the open court, and the Pacers will try to make it a half-court game.

Indiana’s chances of slowing the pace will be easier said than done. While the team does have athletic players like Paul George and Danny Granger, the Pacers can’t match up with the overall team speed of Miami. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and even Mario Chalmers are explosive in the open court and will attack the rim relentlessly. James and Wade in particular are tough matchups for the Pacers because of their ability to score in so many ways and to create open shots for teammates.

If the Pacers are going to reverse the regular season results and upset the Heat, their frontcourt duo of David West and Roy Hibbert will have to take advantage of a small Miami frontcourt. West’s jump shooting ability could stretch the normally stingy Heat defense, and although he didn’t dominate in the regular season, Hibbert should be able to score consistently against the small Miami lineup. Hibbert will also need to make life difficult for Wade and James when they attack the rim. Hibbert is averaging almost four blocks per game in the postseason, and if he can turn Miami into a jump shooting team, Indiana’s chances of winning are greatly improved.

The X-factor in the game could be Granger. He is the one player for Indiana that has the all-around offensive game capable of carrying the Pacers. In order to keep up with the high-powered Miami offense, Indiana will need to get strong performances from its most dynamic offensive player. Unfortunately, Granger was stifled by the defense of James and the Heat, shooting less than 35 percent in the four games against Miami.

In the end, Miami’s overall advantage in athleticism, speed and scoring ability is going to be tough for Indiana to match. Granted, the Pacers have a big edge in size in the paint, but Hibbert isn’t the type of center that can take over a game, at least not at this point in his career. The Heat are on a mission to avenge last year’s defeat in the finals, and more importantly, they have too many weapons for the Pacers to compete with them in a seven-game series.

Prediction: Miami Heat Win in 5 Games

Indiana Pacers vs Miami Heat Series Price
Indiana Pacers +600
Miami Heat -800

Get the latest NBA odds daily on NSAwins.com plus visit for NBA expert predictions and updated 2012 NBA Championship Odds.

2012 Indiana Pacers vs Miami Heat Series Price, Odds and Predictions – NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Picks originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 11, 2012.

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USA Sports Betting Online – Top Approved Online Sportsbooks Accepting USA Players and Bets from United States Citizens

SBG Global Sportsbook – SBG Global offers an exceptional online wagering experience for all bettors worldwide and especially USA citizens. SBG Global Sportsbook is legally licensed out of Costa Rica and offers upto 265% in BONUSES to ALL new players. Your money is certainly safe with SBG Global as they have been in business for well over a decade and have always paid players fast and on time.

BOVADA Sportsbook – BOVADA(owned by BoDog) is probably the most well known USA accepting sportsbook online and has been treating all USA players and players worldwide like royalty since 1994. BOVADA is legally licensed and regulated in Antigua and in the United Kingdom and offers fabulous betting options with one simple account that include a state-of-the-art sportsbook, casino, poker room and online racebook. BOVADA offers a 20% INSTANT BONUS with NO ROLLOVER to ALL new bettors plus upto 100% CASINO BONUS if you choose to play in their Casino.

JustBet Sportsbook – JustBET Sportsbook and Casino is yet another awesome sportsbook that accepts action from ALL United States citizens looking to place action and bets on sports from the USA. JustBET is legally licensed and regulated out of Costa Rica and has been in business since 1994. JustBET offers an exceptional welcome package to all NEW USA players that includes a 100% BONUS upto $2500 FREE when you make your 1st deposit. You will get treated great at JustBET and they have been catering to USA players and paying out super fast for years!

Other Recommended USA Betting Options and Online Sportsbooks for USA Players

BetGuardian Sportsbook – Owned by same group that own JustBET. Great sportsbook option for USA Players and has been in the game for over 15 plus years now. Hands down, one of the best and safest sportsbooks for USA players.

Ucabet Sportsbook – Formerly the legendary Badlands brand. Owned by same group that own JustBET. A fabulous online sportsbook option for USA Players that offers big bonuses, easy deposits and fast payouts.

GT Bets Sportsbook – One of the best new sportsbooks in the industry and operated by well respected former excecutives of the now offline VIP, Nine and BetGameday brands. Another outstanding sportsbook option for USA Players.

Intertops Sportsbook – The oldest sportsbook online since 1984 and one of the best! Another excellent sportsbook, casino and poker option for USA Players. Rock solid.

AVOID – SCAMS – BLACKLISTED SPORTSBOOKS that ALL USA Players Should AVOID and NOT PLAY AT!

BetUS Sportsbook – One of the biggest scam operations taking bets from USA players online. These rip-off artists from Costa Rica have been stiffing USA players, selling their account information to the “BLACK MARKET”, running fraudulent credit card transactions and flat out stealing money from players and affiliates for years now. They have a nice looking website and slick talking customer service people that are able to sucker USA players in with HUGE BONUS offers, but in the end they simply will screw you and steal your money plus sell your credit card information and personal info to the BLACK MARKET. AVOID at all costs and if you already have an account with them make sure you CLOSE IT ASAP and get your money(if you can!) out of there. Don’t be another one of their laundry list of victims.

Other Sportsbooks and USA betting sites taking USA Players that YOU SHOULD AVOID and are BLACKLISTED by NSAwins.com for conducting themselves in a FRAUDULENT manner and for stealing money from USA players are OddsMaker Sportsbook, Linesmaker Sportsbook and WSEX Sportsbook among many, many more.

Check out our official list of online sportsbooks to play with including sportsbooks that do NOT accept USA players but are great bookmakers and bookies for international players.

Disclaimer: NSAwins.com’s content is provided for users located world-wide. There are hundreds of jurisdictions in the world with Internet access and hundreds of different games and gambling opportunities available on the Internet. YOU are responsible for determining if it is legal for YOU to play any particular games or place any particular wager.

USA Sportsbooks and USA Betting Sites – Sportsbooks Accepting US Players for Sports Betting Online for USA Citizens originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 10, 2012.