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Connor Murray's Blog

Preview - Celtics vs. Cavaliers - Eastern Conference Semifinals

on 05/03/2010 05:24 AM

In the second round of the NBA's Eastern Conference playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics continue their budding rivalry. In the 2008 conference finals, the teams last met in the postseason, in an entertaining seven-game series in which the Celtics, the pre-match online sports betting favorites, won en route to win the NBA championship.

 

With a strained left elbow, Cavs' star, LeBron James, one of the top NBA betting favorite star players who played in Cleveland's 4-1 series win over the Chicago Bulls, has more help this time around. While point guard Mo Williams provides a much-needed threat from the perimeter, veterans Shaquille O'Neal and Antawn Jamison provide some added scoring punch and leadership.

 

The Celtics, the NBA betting odds favorites, No. 4 seed in the playoffs and who limped to a 50-32 record in the regular season, are still looking for their peak after a so-so year. The aging "Big Three" of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce has most thinking the franchise's window of opportunity is closing quickly and since their NBA title run two seasons ago.

 

Although after a dominant 4-1 series win over the Miami Heat, Boston has new life. Including a 2-2 series split against them in the regular season, the C's also have recent success against the Cavs to their credit.

 

To overcome the deeper, more dynamic Cavaliers, do they have enough? The immediate forecast doesn't look good, although time will tell. ESPN.com's panel of 10 experts and basketball betting lines predict a Cavs' series win. CBSSports.com senior writer Ken Berger says Cavs in 7 and the Associated Press like Cleveland in 5 games.

 

 

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