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The Cleveland Cavaliers extended their lead in the Eastern Conference to four games over the Boston Celtics with a spirited 97-93 road win in Orlando on Tuesday night. This game had a real play-off feel to it with every possession fiercely contested and the Cavaliers' performance gives them the psychological advantage over the Magic should they meet in the playoffs.

The Cavaliers have hardened to [4.0] to win the NBA Championship and as a result the Boston Celtics have eased to a very generous [5.3]. The betting public are clearly of the opinion that Cleveland will have home court advantage in the play-offs and I have to agree with them. At this juncture of the season, the Celtics are playing like a team that has lost the battle but not the war. Boston lost to the Chicago Bulls 127-121 on Tuesday and it is rare that this team gives up that many points in a game. Boston coach Doc Rivers had seen enough late in the game and was ejected for an audible obscenity to an official.

In the West, the Los Angeles Lakers maintained an eight game lead over San Antonio and will have home court advantage in the conference barring a meltdown.

The Phoenix Suns have now fallen four games behind Dallas in the battle for the final play-off spot. It's a tall order for the Suns to catch the Mavericks but they still have a chance.

The Dallas Mavericks host the Denver Nuggets on Friday night and I think the Mavericks will come out on top in this intriguing affair. Dirk Nowitski has taken charge of his team in the last couple of weeks and at their best they can beat any team in the country. Jason Terry is finding some form from long range and Nowitski has been on fire inside the paint with his fade away jump shot. Denver have not looked the same team in the second half of the season and they have lost focus. In a bizarre episode earlier this month, Denver guard Carmelo Anthony refused to leave the game in the third quarter and was suspended and fined by coach George Karl. I am looking for a big effort from Dallas in this important game.

On Sunday, the New Jersey Nets host the Cleveland Cavaliers and I think the home team could cause the upset. The Nets still have a realistic chance of making the play-offs and it will not be as easy for Cleveland as it appears. Vince Carter leads this team and he is averaging just over 21 point per game. This team may not be the most fashionable in the NBA but on their day they can be formidable. It is almost a must win game for New Jersey and they will not go down without a fight. In addition, Cleveland may have one eye on the play-offs which may leave the door ajar for New Jersey.

Recommended Wagers:

Back Dallas with advertised handicap
Back New Jersey in outright market