So there’s an NBA betting trap game. What’s the big deal, right? It happens all the time. Sportsbook odds favor a contending team facing a bottom dweller, contending team underestimates bottom dweller, bottom dweller wins, online betting players are devastated.

Well, what if the trap game team isn’t a bottom dweller? What if it’s…drumroll…The Boston Celtics?

Think about it. In the Celtics vs Cavaliers line, all the numbers suggest the Cavs are the smart NBA betting pick. Boston, amazingly, has lost six of eight, and that skid includes falling to the Warrirors, Knicks and Bobcats. The Cavs are 18-0 at home, LeBron is the Second Coming, and they just passed Boston to take over top spot in the East.

So why, oh why, should those who bet on basketball pick the Celts to win on Friday?

1. A game against their new top conference rival will give them the kick in the behind they need. They’ve sagged against some bad teams who “play like it’s Game 7,” according to Doc Rivers. But now it’s Boston’s turn to get up for the powerhouse. Cleveland is the top East team now, so Boston will be the more motivated squad.

2. Cleveland will underestimate Boston. With the Celtics reeling and the Cavs at their best right now, this is the one time all year when the Cavs could actually underestimate Boston in the Celtics vs Cavaliers line.

3. Finally, the pressure isn’t on the Celtics. Maybe they’re mentally drained from always being expected to win in sportsbook odds? With the possible exception of their Christmas-Day tilt against the Lakers in L.A., this is probably the only time so far this year that they’re not the favorite. Without that pressure, they could be more relaxed.

4. When do you EVER get to bet online on the Celtics as underdogs? This is a magical occasion. A rare opportunity to win big on the Celtics vs Cavaliers line. How often is Boston an underdog? Even though the Cavs are the clear favorite, online betting players have to capitalize on rare chance to pick Boston as an “upset.”

What are you waiting for, NBA betting fans? DO IT. It’s no sure thing, but it’s an exciting NBA betting situation. Good luck.