Picks

Despite the injuries and inconsistencies, that have plagued the Los Angeles Lakers this season, they are still the sport betting favorite to make it to the NBA Finals this season. Superstar Kobe Bryant and starting center Andrew Bynum have both spent time on the bench leading in to their opening round series with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but that didn't make the Lakers look any less explosive when those two made their appearances in a Game One 87-79 win. Bynum and Pau Gasol both posted double-doubles in that win, and were able to control play in the post.

This is the same team that won the NBA championship odds series only one year ago, and since then, has actually improved. No matter how banged up Bryant is, its still Kobe that will have the ball in his hand with the game on the line, and there is no player in the league that is better with the ball in his hands in pressure situations than the man wearing number 24 for the purple and gold. Coach Phil Jackson has done this dance so many times he has all the steps memorized already, and will now how to handle the playing time of his stars, and when to go to his bench to ensure the Lakers are healthy as they go deeper in to the playoffs. That will make Los Angeles hit their peak right when it matters the most, which is why they will represent the Western conference once again in this year's finals.

The Chicago Bulls have made the move many anticipated would go through a long time ago, announcing that they would hold a press conference to announce the firing of head coach Vinny Del Negro on Tuesday. Sources out of Chicago have reported that General Manager Gar Forman will address the Bulls' coaching situation, in which he is sure to face several questions about his feelings with Del Negro, as it has been rumored for months that a deteriorating relationship between the two would eventually lead to Del Negro's demise. The former coach still has one year left on the guaranteed contract he signed with Chicago, which is worth approximately $2 million.

The Bulls finished 41-41 in the regular season, before being eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games in the opening round of the playoffs. ESPN originally reported back in December that after this season, Chicago was expected to make a change in bench bosses. The move was finally made six betting days after they were eliminated.

It was revealed when the basketball betting series started that Del Negro had also clashed with Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson over the playing time of center Joakim Noah in March. At the time, Noah was recovering from a foot injury, and the dispute was over how many minutes the 25-year old would play. The argument reached its climax when Paxson shoved Del Negro, after the latter got too close during the heated debate.

For NBA betting enthusiasts looking to lay their money down on one team to win this year's NBA Championship, look no further than the squad that finished with the best record in the association during the regular season when you punch your ticket and bet NBA finals.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as a team not only primed to reach the final, but to take the first NBA title in their sportsbook history. The Cavaliers pushed the Orlando Magic to six games in the Eastern conference final a season ago, and since have taken the necessary steps to ensure they don't fall short again. Cleveland added Shaquille O'Neal in the middle to hold fort against Dwight Howard should those teams meet again, and can you imagine the motivation "Big Diesel" will have if the Cavaliers face the Los Angeles Lakers in the finals? Don't overlook the addition of Antawn Jamison as yet another inside weapon that can help play off James when the King once again elevates his game to another level come postseason time.

Speaking of the Lakers, injuries and inconsistent play are the two biggest reasons why Los Angeles will not repeat. Despite an improved roster on paper, the Lakers will have a much tougher road to the finals through the Western conference if they are to make it all the way, and with the Cavaliers getting fully healthy just in time for round one, Cleveland will be the fresher and hungrier team in the championship series.

NBA Championship Pick: Cleveland

In a move many anticipated would come before the end of this upcoming weekend, the Baltimore Orioles have fired manager Dave Tremblay. The Orioles, which have the worst record in Major League Baseball through the opening two months of the season, are the first club of at least a handful considering making changes in their clubhouse in an attempt to help turnaround tough starts to the online sports betting season. The Orioles are 15-39 through the first 54 games of the season after losing nine straight, and are in the bottom of the league in nearly every meaningful statistical category. Baltimore has been outscored by a combined 91 runs entering tonight's game against the Boston Red Sox. By comparison, all four of the other teams in the American League East are plus-24 or better.

The manager role will be filled by third-base coach Juan Samuel, who was appointed interim manager by president of baseball operations Andy McPhail. The writing has been on the mlb betting wall for the move since Baltimore opening the season with just two wins through their first 18 games, and although Tremblay may just be the scapegoat for a team void of much talent competing in perhaps the toughest division in baseball, with attendance dipping and a lack of compete, a move had to be made, and the release of Tremblay may have been the most sensible. Early season injuries to Brian Roberts, Felix Pie, and Mike Gonzalez have been a big reason for the struggles as well.