Sports books enjoy a rare NBA Finals Game 7

By Case Keefer (contact)

Thursday, June 17, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

An excitement usually not present this time of year is mounting at Las Vegas sports books. And it's not just because of the World Cup.

For the first time in five years, the NBA Finals will feature a Game 7 at 6 p.m. today when the Boston Celtics take on the Los Angeles Lakers.

"I think it's great for sports books — especially with the Lakers being involved," said Mike Patterson, an oddsmaker at Las Vegas Sports Consultants. "Sports books are packed and people are having fun. I think it will be even better for Game 7."

Sports books always are rooting for series to go the distance. Betting interest reaches a peak when it comes down to one game, said Jimmy Vaccaro, director of Lucky's sports books at the Plaza and Terrible's.

Because of this year's Game 7, Vaccaro said, Lucky's NBA Finals handle already had increased about 15 percent from last year when the Lakers beat the Orlando Magic in five games.

"If Game 7 would have been between the Charlotte Bobcats or someone, then it wouldn't make a difference," Vaccaro said. "But with all the tradition with this series, this is better for the books."

Numbers for the game are consistent around town. The Lakers are installed as a 7-point favorite and the over/under is set at 187.

Lucky's posted a Game 7 line before Tuesday night's Game 6, which the Lakers won 89-67, and all the early money came in on the Celtics. Since then, Vaccaro said, the Lakers have been a much more popular selection.

"There will be two-and-a-half times the money on the Lakers using parlays," he said. "We'll probably have a little more on the Celtics side, but with the parlays, we'll end up rooting for Boston, anyway."

Vaccaro reported that most of Lucky's sharper clientele liked the under 187 and Boston +7.

"It would probably be smart to take the dog at the value price," Vaccaro said.

Patterson said this series revealed a trend that many bettors either take Boston and the under or Los Angeles and the over.

But Patterson didn't see that continuing in Game 7, as four straight games have finished well below the posted total.

"With the way the last four games have gone, I don't see how you can bet 'over,'" Patterson said. "But, of course, I'm not the betting public."

Vaccaro said casual bettors have not given the total much action for Game 7 other than on parlays.

But that could change when fans filter in to watch the game tonight. After all, it's Game 7.

"This is the first one that has gone to seven in quite a while," Vaccaro said. "Coupled with the soccer doing better than expected, I think this game will do great. The interest is there on both sides."