NBA down the stretch

The NBA season is winding down and the playoffs are almost here.  Since the NBA is such a long season it is important or bettors to develop new strategies and adjust with the changes that occur during the season. The end of the season provides several challenges to a sports handicapper but if used correctly the end result can be profit and a big bankroll heading into the playoffs.

  One of the profitable angles is to realize the position a team covets in the standings.  Teams jockey for the right spot in the playoffs to run into the best opponent possible. The Hawks are the perfect example.  They played well this year against the Celtics but struggled against the Magic.  It would figure to be in their best interest to play Boston before they would have to face off with Orlando. Standings play a role down the stretch.

      Certain teams put it into cruise control down the stretch. Veteran teams and coaches know that it is a long season and if they have a good position established then playing hard and possibly injuring a star player is not in their best interest. The Lakers fit this category this year. They have basically mailed it in for road games and don’t push hard to win games because they are confident they can “turn it on” in the playoffs. This could get the bettor a serious line advantage if they spot this early enough.

      There are several other factors to include injuries, free agents, and losing teams. Injured players will get rest down the stretch, free agents may play harder to get that great contract, and losing teams have absolutely to play for.  As you can see the bettor has to forecast many different variables in the last month of the NBA season to make a profit.

      The sports bettor can make some good money during the NBA season.  However if they believe that they can use the same techniques that worked earlier in the season they are wrong. Players, teams, and situations change and just like the players, the handicapper must adjust. If these adjustments are made correctly the bettor will make some good money and be sitting pretty when the playoffs start.