There are 9 games on the boards today. Here are your odds for January 25, 1010.

Indiana
Philadelphia -4.5 to -5.5
Total: 205 to 208.5

Cleveland -1 to pick-em
Miami
Total: 190

L.A. Clippers
Boston -11 to 11.5
Total: 190 to 190.5

Orlando -1.5 to pick-em
Memphis
Total: 203 to 203.5

Chicago
San Antonio -6 to -8.5
Total: 198.5 – 199

Atlanta
Houston -1 to pick-em
Total: 197 to 197.5

Phoenix
Utah -7
Total: 221 to [...]

Do you like to make an additional wager at the half? I sometimes do. We are part way through the 2006-07 NBA season and I thought this was a fine time for my first installment in the NBA Halftime Stats series.

So far this season there have been 421 instances where a team has been ahead at the half. In 297 of those instances, the team that was ahead has gone on to win the game. That’s a staggering 70.5 winning percent.

We’ve approached the “good stuff” in this year’s NBA playoffs. It’s show time. I took a look at some sportsbooks today to see what the NBA futures were looking like. There are some decent lines to be had still.

Perhaps the worst line is the Detroit Pistons to win the Eastern Conference, which is at -125. No thanks. If you like them to win the East, you’re better off laying the extra juice and taking them at the -175 series price against the Chicago Bulls.

Since I don’t think the Detroit Pistons will win the East, I looked at two teams that have a shot—Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls. The Cavaliers are getting +295 and the Bulls +410.

Last night’s NBA playoff game 5 between the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks was one of the best games of the 2007 NBA playoffs.

The icing on the cake, for me, was the fact that my free NBA play came in last night. The Golden State Warriors, despite losing, covered the +9, which was a nice gift.

So, today I’ll be heading back to sportsbook to cash in my tickets (my Sports Betting Baseball free MLB play won too).

Today, the Dallas Mavericks are at home trying to fight off elimination. The task is clear. Win and stay, lose and you’re done.

The betting line is interesting today. It’s based off of one game. Dallas Mavericks are favored by 9 to 9.5 tonight. Why?

If you look over the season, the Golden State Warriors have owned the Mavs. In fact, they played the Dallas Mavericks three times during the regular season and won all three—including one game in Dallas.

Maybe it’s just me, but the first round of the 2007 NBA playoffs haven’t been too exciting. Sure, if you’re a fan of one of the playoff teams perhaps. But, overall the games have been lackluster.

The one standout serious for me is the Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks. It’s been electrifying. Last night’s victory—Golden State—was magical. I found myself yelling and getting all worked up. I can’t say that for any other series.

What are the best seven teams when it comes to winning close games? With a little research, I’ve found seven teams that have winning percentages in games that finish with three points or less between the two teams playing. Are you ready to be surprised?

Yesterday, we left off at number three on my list of the best NBA players in 2005. To refresh your memory, I listed Allen Iverson at #1, Dwayne Wade at #2, and LeBron James at #3. Where in the world is Kobe Bryant? I’m glad you asked. He’s next on my list.

We often hear talk about just who’s the best player in the NBA. Right away people begin throwing out the superstar of their favorite team. Sometimes, people just say whoever is being highly touted in the media. So, just who are the best NBA players out there? I would submit that it’s hard to say, because there are so many variables. Today, I’m going to look at the stats from the 2005-06 NBA season and give you some of my selections for best current players.

Does Boston College have a shot this season? Yes. I expect to see them ranked in the Top 25 and they could possibly become one of the top ten teams in the country. There’s plenty of work to do first. Last season the Boston College Eagles finished 28-8 overall. They were 11-5 in the ACC conference. Their coach, Al Skinner, has been there for 8 years now. His record is 147-100.