The unsightly specter of the Lockout had loomed big over the NBA world until earlier this month. The NBA has effectively tipped off in earnest over Christmas weekend with both the competitors and the owners ultimately coming to a contract. The NBA welcoming committee goes to the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. when the Celts (1-3) take on the Wizards (0-3). Both squads enter the competition with unreliable records and a slow beginning to the year. The sportsbook appears to have the nod on the greater squad as the line currently stands – Boston (-7) 184 ½ .

Super Bowl betting

The Boston celtics come into the game attempting to bounce back from a unsatisfactory year last year as their 56-26 record got them bounced from the Eastern Conference Semifinals 4-1 by the Heat. As Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are in the final year of their individual contracts, this year marks a turning point for the Boston celtics. It is unlikely that the Boston celtics will have the ability to resign both competitors as the “Big 3″ era may come to a close. In this young year, the Boston celtics are lead by Ray Allen and his regular long-distance pyrotechnics. Star point guard Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce provide a dependable complimentary force behind Allen. Kevin Garnett has gotten off to a slow beginning, however the damage of 15 previous NBA seasons might be catching up with him. Guard Keyon Dooling has furnished a great shooting spark off of the bench. The Boston celtics come in averaging 96.3 PPG and giving up 100.8 PPG.

Sports betting

The Washington Wizards enter the competition attempting to right the good ship previously identified as the Bullets. Washington had a sub-par 23-59 year last year but was buoyed by the breakout of superstar shooting guard Nick Young who averaged more than 20 ppg until going down with injury. The Washington Wizards this year are averaging 82.7 PPG, which is one of the worst showings in the league. Washington is giving up 97.7 PPG on average, which is slightly better than the Boston celtics. Guards Nick Young and John Wall pace the balanced Washington Wizards attack.