Betting tips / Nick Shiambouros / 31 December 2011 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat are all in action this morning Australia-time in the NBA, but which side of the money line do we want to be on, asks Nick Shiambouros.

Miami Heat v Minnesota Timberwolves

The Heat have had a superb start to the new season. They are unbeaten at 3-0 and are playing like a team that means business. On Tuesday evening, Miami overcame a 15 point deficit against Charlotte. Dwyane Wade scored the winning bucket with 2.9 seconds left to secure a memorable victory for Miami.

Minnesota are 0-2 for the season and have struggled defensively. On Tuesday evening against Milwaukee they committed 25 turnovers in a 98-95 defeat.

Rookie point-guard Ricky Rubio has not found things easy in the NBA and may need a few months to find his feet.

Miami have an outstanding record against the Timberwolves and have won three in a row at Minnesota.

I fully expect Miami to make short work of Minnesota. They are currently priced at [1.91] with the handicap (-8.5) which represents outstanding value in my opinion.

Orlando Magic v Charlotte Bobcats

The Magic are 2-1 for the season and are playing some very good basketball, considering superstar Dwight Howard wants to be traded. On Monday night Howard scored 21 points in a 104-95 win over the Houston Rockets.

The Magic have apparently accepted the fact that the big man wants to leave but it is business as usual until he actually departs.

The Bobcats are 1-1 this season and have struggled defensively. They need to protect the ball a lot better to have a realistic chance of beating the in-form Magic.

Orlando have won 15 of the last 16 meetings against Charlotte, which is a remarkable statistic. I think another victory is on the cards and they must be backed with the handicap (-4.5) at [2.0].

Chicago Bulls v Los Angeles Clippers

The Bulls are 2-1 for the season and are set for another big year. Superstar point-guard Derrick Rose scored 19 points in Thursday's 108-98 win over the Sacramento Kings.

Chicago are legitimate title contenders and should give the Clippers a real game this evening in this fascinating encounter.

The new-look Los Angeles Clippers are 1-1 for the season and should make plenty of noise this year. They signed point-guard Chris Paul from New Orleans earlier this month to pair up with the talented Blake Griffin.

Big things are expected from the Clippers this season but I think they will come up short against Chicago. The Bulls have a choking defense that should be seen to good effect against the high flying Clippers.

The Bulls should be backed with the handicap (+1.5) at around [1.90].

Recommended Wagers

Back Miami Heat with advertised handicap (-8.5) at [1.91] 2pts
Back Orlando Magic with advertised handicap (-4.5) at [2.0] 2pts
Back Chicago Bulls with advertised handicap (+1.5) at [1.9] 1pt