NBA Playoff Parlay – Magic vs. Celtics and Rockets vs. Lakers

The Orlando Magic travel to Boston to take on the Celtics wondering what could have been. Going into the last game of this series, the Magic had a 2 to 1 lead. They could have put the Celtics away. The game was in Orlando, the Magic had their point-guard back in Rafer Alston and a chance to gain a 3 to 1 lead.

Instead, the Men in Green wrestled home court advantage in this series away from the Magic by winning on the road. Now, Orlando has to win another game in what is sure to be a very hostile Boston crowd.

In the second game of our parlay, the L.A. Lakers will need to find their competitive spirit after getting thumped by a Yao less Rockets squad in Game 4 of their best of 7 series.

Let’s take a look at the parlay

Parlay #1: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics

Spread: Celtics -2 ½

BetOnline Total: 192 ½

Analysis: This is a tough game for bettors to handicap. Out of the four games in this series, the Celtics have won 2 ATS and the Magic have won 2 ATS. The BetOnline Total has gone under in two games and over in two games. It’s gone Boston, Orlando, Boston, Orlando in the first four games. That means that it’s Orlando’s turn, right? I don’t think so. By beating the Magic on their home court in Game 4, I truly believe that Boston made a statement. They should be better in Game 5. I see Boston continuing their good play because of their experience in these situations. They beat Orlando again and take a commanding 3 to 2 series lead and they do it by covering against the spread.

Pick: Boston Celtics at -2 ½

Parlay #2: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Spread: Lakers -12

BetOnline Total: 198

Analysis: What the heck was that? L.A. dominates in Game 3 with Yao on the court but then flounders and gets spanked with Yao off the court? The bottom line is that it doesn’t look like L.A. has that killer instinct. They were 43 and 39 ATS overall during the regular season and 20 and 21 against the spread at home. They should destroy the Rockets, but more than likely, the Lakers, who have gone 6 and 3 ATS this post-season as well as 2 and 2 in this series, will run out to a nice lead and then end up winning by around 10 points. I can’t take the chance that L.A. will play to their best ability and will go with the points in this.

Pick: Houston Rockets at +12