The biggest NBA sportsbook headlines for the month of January all revolved around the fact that the Cleveland Cavaliers were suddenly incapable of winning a basketball game. With disheartening losses against the Chicago Bulls, the Utah Jazz, and the Sacramento Kings, it seemed that the Cavaliers were struggling against even the least formidable of opponents. To make matters worse, LeBron James’ public comments and the incessant media scrutiny truly made it seem like Cleveland was falling apart, from the upper echelons of the organization to the lowest-ranking employees.
But once February rolled around the Cavs were able to find their strut. So far, Cleveland has opened up the second month of the year by picking up three consecutive wins. In doing so, the leaders of the Eastern Conference were able to keep their nearest online betting NBA threat at bay; the Boston Celtics.
During Cleveland’s trying time, the Celts were earnestly hoping that they would be able to usurp the reigning NBA champions from the top of the Eastern Conference. Nevertheless, the Cavs were just able to hold on and still currently own a 2 ½ game lead over the Celtics. With the lead of the conference in sight, Boston will take to the court with newfound enthusiasm.
Monday night, Boston will be making the trip to the Lone Star state to face off against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Celtics, who own a 16-11 away record, have won 2 out of their last three games, but have only lost one out of their last 10. Boston will be looking to keep the good times rolling against a team that has enjoyed a 14-13 record at home. Let’s see what kind of odds most basketball betting sites are giving each team in this matchup.
ONLINE BETTING NBA ODDS – REGULAR SEASON – Monday, February 13th
Boston Celtics -1½ (-110) 208½ (-110) -123
Dallas Mavericks +1½ (-110) 208½ (-110) +103
Considering how well the Celtics have been performing as of late, it should come as little surprise to see them pegged as the slight sportsbook favorites this Monday night. Overall, Boston comes into Monday’s contest with a 35-19 record, a 1st place ranking in the Atlantic Division, and the lead of the Eastern Conference in sight.
Furthermore, the Celtics own a 3-game lead over the Washington Wizards – the Eastern Conference’s third-ranking competitor – and are right on track for making their third online betting NBA playoff appearance in 4 years.
With Paul Pierce out of the picture, Boston relies heavily on leading-point scorer Isaiah Thomas who is putting up 29.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. Avery Bradley is second in points for the Celtics and he is currently averaging 17.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
The sportsbook underdogs are led by Harrison Barnes and his averages of 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Dallas’ second-leading point scorer is Wesley Matthews who is currently netting 15.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
