After hitting a rough patch in early January, the Cavaliers have resurged and are well on their way to becoming online NBA betting favorites once more. Cleveland has proven themselves worthy of this title by successfully holding off the Boston Celtics atop the East, who were giving the reigning NBA champions a run for their money last month. But once the Cavs hit their sportsbook strut, Cleveland became increasingly difficult to usurp. And now that the NBA trade deadline has come and passed, Boston might have their hands full trying to pass Cleveland with the current roster the Celtics are sporting.
As most online basketball betting fans know, the NBA trade deadline passed last Thursday. Leading up to that date, most Boston fans were shaking with anticipation, hoping that their team would snag a coveted All-Star in order to make the Celtics dangerous title contenders. But now that the NBA trade deadline has come and passed, it’s clear that Boston will have to contend with their current squad. Some fans are holding out hope that the franchise will be able to pick up some talent off the buyout market, but given the organization’s hesitation to make any trades or moves, it seems more than likely that Boston will remain silent once again.
Nevertheless, the Celtics will get an opportunity to prove that they more than legitimate title contenders Monday night when they host the Atlanta Hawks at the TD Garden. Atlanta enters this game with an agenda of their own and will be looking to further solidify their playoff seeding. Let’s take a look at what most sportsbooks are predicting for this Eastern Conference matchup.
ONLINE NBA BETTING ODDS – REGULAR SEASON – Monday, February 27th
Atlanta Hawks +4 ½ (-110) 211 (-110) +160
Boston Celtics -4 ½ (-110) 211 (-110) -185
Unsurprisingly, the odds have chosen the East’s No. 2 seed over the conference’s 5th seed. Boston enters this matchup sporting a 38-21 record that places the Celtics just two games shy of tying with the Cavs atop the conference. Furthermore, the Celtics are ranked 1st in the Atlantic Division.
Considering that the Celtics have lost two out of their last three, the sportsbook favorites will be looking for a rebound on home court. To help accomplish that, the Celts will turn to leading point-scorer, Isaiah Thomas who is currently putting up 29.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per contest. Second in points for Boston is Avery Bradley with his averages of 17.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
The Hawks ride into this contest with a 32-26 record that places Atlanta three games shy of 4th place Toronto. The Hawks have qualified for the postseason the last 9 seasons and are well on their way to punching another ticket to the postseason.
The online betting NBA underdogs will turn to Paul Millsap to help lead them to victory. Millsap is currently draining 17.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Second on the team with points is Dennis Schroder who is making 17.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
