Basketball Betting: Lakers Rally and Free Agency Props

In a defensive struggle, the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a 13-point third quarter deficit to secure an 83-79 victory over the Boston Celtics in the deciding seventh game of the NBA Finals at the Staples Center last Thursday. Heading into Tuesday's Game 6, LA trailed the series 3-2. In a must-win contest, the Lakers cruised to an 89-67 victory as a 6-point favorite. For the fourth straight game in the series, the game went under the closing total (190). The victory by the home team led to just the third Game 7 in the NBA Finals in the last 22 years. While the Lakers won the title, bettors cashed in on the Celtics in the deciding game. Boston closed as a 6.5-point underdog with a total of 187. Free agency props The highly anticipated NBA free agency period is set to get underway on July 1st. While the main focus involves the destination of MVP LeBron James, there are several other notable players that could be suiting up in new uniforms next season. Here's a look at some of the other top free agents: Dwyane Wade Wade is a -200 choice to remain with the Miami Heat. He helped the franchise to its first and only NBA title four seasons ago. The Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks are the next choices at odds of +300. Wade is a Chicago native. The Los Angeles Clippers and New Jersey Nets are long shot options at +1000 each. Chris Bosh While many top free agents usually opt to stay with their existing teams, it appears that Bosh won't be staying with the Toronto Raptors. As the lone Canadian franchise in the NBA, it is difficult for the franchise to draw elite players north of the border. Four teams appear to be in a dead heat to land the services of Bosh. The Heat, Bulls, Knicks and Houston Rockets are all at odds of +300. The Clippers and Washington Wizards are the next options at +800. At +1000, the Raptors and Nets are long shots. Amare Stoudemire Like Bosh, Stoudemire is expected to have a new address for the 2010-11 campaign after helping the Phoenix Suns reach the Western Conference Finals last season. The Bulls, Heat and Knicks are the front runners to land him at odds of +220. The Nets are in the running at +500 while the Suns are still in the mix at +700.