The 2010 NBA playoffs are off and running and bettors appear extremely interested in the proceedings, particularly with a number of the series looking like they could go the distance. (I’m not, of course, talking about the one between Cleveland and Chicago. That one’s a mismatch.)

It doesn’t hurt bettor interest when Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban comes right out and says he hates the San Antonio Spurs. "No, I mean I hate the Spurs,” he said. “I have a hard time being civil to [Spurs owner] Peter Holt at the board of governors meetings and he has a hard time being civil to me even though we both like each other.”

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This series has already garnered heavy futures betting action at Bodog and it’s only just begun to heat up. On Wednesday, with Dallas leading 1-0 heading into Game 2, we had a number of bettors throw down on the series odds, which had the Mavericks at -265 to advance.

The Spurs (+225) drew a few wagers from the value seekers who figured the juicy payout was worth the risk, especially with Games 3 and 4 in San Antonio, plus the fact that Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili had strong games in the series opener. Not to mention, Dirk Nowitzki can’t go shoot near perfect from the field for the rest of the series. Can he?

The Mavs won last season's first-round series over the Spurs, 4-1.

At Bodog’s online sportsbook, we’ve seen good action on every type of NBA playoff wager we’re offering for this match-up.

One NBA prop that’s always popular with bettors is the one that asks which player will score the first point(s) of the game. For example, Nowitzki (4/1) was a trendy choice for Wednesday’s Dallas-San Antonio game while Erick Dampier (9/1) was the long shot.
As I’ve written before, bettors love props that are answered within the opening seconds of a game. You can blame our culture of instant gratification if you want, but you can’t deny that these types of prop bets are fun. There’s nothing like screaming at the TV for every player except the one you’re backing to miss his shot.

Individual props where bettors get to choose over or under a total for a player’s points, rebounds or assists (and combinations of the three) have also been popular.

The Mavericks are currently getting 14/1 odds to win the 2010 NBA Championship while the Spurs are a ways back at 20/1.

I will be posting weekly articles including betting previews, matchups and the inside scoop from a bookmakers point of view right here at Doc's Sports.  Read my past articles - Click Here, and learn more about Bodog sportsbook - click here. If you're ready to set up an account and start playing I'd like to offer you a Sign up Bonus - Click Here.  Enjoy the Bodog Experience.