Hell of a basketball betting game coming up Thursday when Denver visits the Lakers. Never would I have thought the Nuggets would’ve at any point in the season outside the first week been the #2 seed out west, and even more surprising is that they deserve to be there. Lakers will take a 7 or 8 point line into this game, simply because they’re at home. But what shouldn’t be lost on the betting community is that the Nuggets are scorching in their last dozen games, although only a small percentage of them have been on the road. I’d safely take the Lakers, though. They’ll win this one by double digits.

Don’t worry, there’s still love for the Eastern Conference. In fact, I’ve saved the best for last. Boston at Cleveland. Sunday, April 12. National TV. Expect Cleveland to get around a 6-point line. And plan on Cleveland obliterating that and sending the biggest message of the season during this game. I wish I could break away from sounding like a broken record, but LeBron LeBron LeBron. Cleveland is basking in their one-man dynasty image even more so than the Bulls did with Jordan. Speaking of Jordan, have you seen anyone since that shows that late-game fire in his eyes like LeBron? That killer instinct he exhibits, the refusal to let his team lose, is very reminiscent of his heirness. Some experts might pick the upset here, banking on the Celtics ruining the Cavs chances at breaking that home record, but I think Cleveland rolls by at least a dozen.