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The Heat-Lakers Christmas Day game line had opened at Los Angeles -2 by Friday afternoon, more than 24 hours prior to tip off. This was expected to be the most watched and wagered of the five NBA games being played on the holiday. Early action on the spread had the Lakers getting just over 60 percent of backing.
Many pundits believe this game could be a preview of the NBA Finals. Some are billing this as one of the most anticipated NBA games in five years.
“This is a game that both teams would love to win,” Lakers forward Lamar Odom said. “It’s competition at its highest level. Everybody at home will be watching, your fans, your friends. It’s a fun time and a fun day to play on in front of the world, the big stage here in L.A.”
The online sportsbooks are anticipating a jackpot day on Christmas. “Gambling911.com’s Christmas Eve traffic has been the best ever recorded so far,” observed Payton O’Brien, Senior Editor of the website. “It’s going to be a banner day for books.”
Not only are there blockbuster games scheduled, the NBA has witnessed more than a 30 percent increase in ratings over last year.
Some important betting trends coming into the Heat-Lakers Christmas Day game included:
The away team has won an amazing 9 out of the last 10 games in this series dating back to 2005.
Miami has covered the last 4 in this series.
The Heat are 7-1 Against The Spread in their last 8 road games.
The Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Western Conference.
The Heat are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a Straight Up win of more than 10 points.
The Heat are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 1 days rest.
Miami is 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
The Heat are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a S.U. win.
The Heat are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
The Heat are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog.
The Lakers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points.
The Lakers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Saturday games.
LA is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Southeast.
The Lakers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss.
Los Angeles is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
- Tyrone Black, Gambling911.com
