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The 2009 Eastern Conference Finals are set. We have known for a while that the Cleveland Cavaliers were going to host game one but had to wait to see who they would play. The Orlando Magic advanced by taking out the Boston Celtics in seven games, including a convincing win in Boston in game seven. This series was the first time the Celtics lost a series when leading 3-2.

Looking at the upcoming series from a basketball betting standpoint the only argument I can find to back the Magic is that they gave the Cavs their worst defeat of the year, a 116-87 victory on April 3rd. Let's face it; the Cavaliers look much stronger on paper. LeBron James is without a doubt the best player in the NBA.

In the playoffs thus far the Magic have done a great job in compensating for Jameer Nelson's injury. However, I think it will finally catch up with them in this series. They will struggle to put up the points that Cleveland will. However, in the end, defence usually wins. The Magic are a good defensive team, this has shown so far in the playoffs. The Cavaliers defence is the one that prevails here.

In the NBA playoffs home court advantage is huge. It becomes a little bigger when the Cavaliers are involved. They are indestructible at home. For the Magic to pull off a win they will have to win at least one game in Cleveland. This is a huge task as the Cavaliers have only lost two games at home all year.

Experience is also on Cleveland's side here. Orlando did just beat Boston but a series and the conference championship are different. Dwight Howard is a great player, but can he lead a team to the NBA Finals? The Cavaliers have been there, winning the eastern conference in 2007.

I'm taking the Cavaliers to win this series; I think that it will take them five games. I know odds don't look that good but I still think 1.23 (-435) is value here.