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The oddsmakers haven't quite given up on the Cleveland Cavaliers just yet as we head into Game 5 in Cleveland. The folks at SBG Global have instilled the Cavs as -7 ½ favorites despite Orlando leading the series 3-1.
"They're backs are up against the wall and they are at home," says Don Shapiro of Gambling911.com. "But can they win? And more importantly to gamblers, can they cover?"
Orlando moved within one victory of ending its 14-year finals drought Tuesday night as Dwight Howard, the Magic's present-day Diesel, scored 27 points - 10 in overtime - in a 116-114 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cleveland -7 ½ line may seem like a lot considering the position they are currently in, but the series opened with the Cavs as -8 ½ and -9 home favorites, respectively. Orlando has covered the last 9 games in this series so betting on a Magic cover once again (whether they are to win outright or not) is probably a pretty good bet.
"I'm up for the challenge," James said. "I'll be ready and I think my guys will be ready as well."
But is the rest of his team? The Associated Press referred to the supporting cast of Cleveland players as "lemmings".
"LeBron can only be Superman so many times," Shapiro said, making reference to last week's miracle closing shot where James rescued Cleveland's season by hitting a last second three-pointer to win Game 2.
Had it not been for that shot, the Magic would already be heading to the Finals.
Cleveland opened the series as 2/1 favorites to win the 2009 NBA Champioinship while Orlando had odds close to 9/1 for what could turn out to be an extraordinary payout.
You can bet on this series at SBG Global - Receive up to 125 percent of your initial deposit in free cash bonuses.
Tyrone Black, Gambling911.com
