Basketball Betting: Suns Sweep Past Spurs to Reach Conference Finals

Of the four conference semi-finals series in this year's NBA postseason, the matchup between the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs was expected to be the most competitive. After four frustrating setbacks to the Spurs in the playoffs since 2003, the Suns gained a small measure revenge with a surprising four-game series sweep. Eastern Conference The defending Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic are a perfect 7-0 in this year's postseason heading into Game 4 of its semi-finals series against the Atlanta Hawks. Orlando has won its first three games against Atlanta by an average margin of 29 points. For Monday's Game 4 in Atlanta, the Magic were favored by 6.5 points. In the other series, the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers are in a tight battle with the Boston Celtics. With the series tied at 2-2, the Cavaliers were a 7.5-point favorite for Tuesday's Game 5 in Cleveland, and they procured a spectacular win. For the series price, the Cavaliers are a -425 choice. In the NBA futures pool, Orlando is now the overall favorite to win the championship at +165 while Cleveland is just behind at +170. Western Conference The Suns are back in the Western Conference Finals for the first time in four years. In the other semi-finals series, the Los Angles Lakers left with a series sweep on Monday night at Utah against the Jazz. In Game 4, Utah was a 3.5-point choice to keep the series alive. For NBA title odds, Los Angeles is at +195 while Phoenix is priced at +525. Duke favored to repeat in college hoops The Duke Blue Devils have been installed as the early favorite to capture the 2010-11 NCAA hoops title. Duke is at +500 to repeat as national champions. With some key personnel returning and a talented freshman class on board, the Blue Devils are in a good spot to make another run this season. Despite the loss of most of its top players from last season, the Kentucky Wildcats (+800) are still expected to be in the hunt this season. Head coach John Calipari has assembled another top flight recruiting class to replace the players that are heading to the NBA. With most of its top performers from last season set to return, the Purdue Boilermakers are also at +800. After last year's run to the national title game, the Butler Bulldogs have odds of +3000 to win the championship.