They are of course led by the Black Mamba himself, Kobe Bryant, who despite turning 32 this year, is as good as ever. So far, Bryant is second only to Carmelo Anthony, averaging 29 points per game, and as always, is amongst the league leaders in steals and free throw percentage. Bryant has been helped additionally with maybe the NBA\u2019s premiere frontcourt, in Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest. All three are averaging double-figures, in points with Gasol leading the way with 17 per game.<\/p>\n
Here are some basketball betting trends which may impact this game:<\/strong><\/p>\n Los Angeles: 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games Cleveland: 11-6 ATS on the road The three in the frontcourt are also the backbone of what has become the league\u2019s best defensive team. So far this season, they\u2019re holding opponents to an NBA best 42 percent shooting from the field, as well as just 94.5 points per game. Bynum and Gasol are each averaging close to two blocks per game. As for their opponents, the Cleveland Cavaliers as we head into 2010, after having the best record in the Eastern Conference 2009. A large part of that is due to starting center Shaquille O\u2019Neal, who simply hasn\u2019t been as dominating as the Cavaliers had hoped he\u2019d be. He is averaging just 10 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes per game, a far cry from the output he once produced, when he was one of the NBA\u2019s most dominant big man earlier this decade.<\/p>\n Obviously that adds additional burden to last year\u2019s league MVP LeBron James, and \u201cThe King,\u201d is doing everything in his power to keep the Cavaliers afloat. He is averaging almost 29 points seven rebounds and eight assists per game, and is again maybe the league\u2019s best all-around player. As always, for the Cleveland to stay close in this game, James will have to play his best.<\/p>\n With these two teams squaring off on Christmas day, the clear advantage would have to go to Los Angeles. But it\u2019s not why you think.<\/p>\n Despite the star power on the perimeter, it is actually the guys down low who\u2019ll make the difference. The three starters for Los Angeles are substantially more productive than O\u2019Neal and J.J. Hickson and Anderson Varejao for Cleveland. Expect the Lakers to have control the boards on Friday night, as they average a league high 45 per game.<\/p>\n The Lakers have the advantage at almost every position, and Kobe Bryant simply never loses big games. And this is a big game. Because of it, take the Lakers. They are deeper and more talented overall. LeBron can only do so much, and the Cavaliers will learn the hard way, that sometimes even he, is not enough.<\/p>\n
\nLos Angeles: 15-1 SU in their last 16 games
\nLos Angeles: 6-0 SU at home in their last 6 games<\/p>\n
\nCleveland: Total has gone OVER in 9 of 17 road games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/media.partners.betus.com\/BANNERS\/basketball\/sportsbook_basketball_300x600.gif\")
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