With all the movement in the offseason it is likely that some new teams will rise to the top of the Eastern Conference. – All odds according to Pinnacle Sportsbook, although other places like Bodog offer online NBA betting on these props as well.
Miami Heat (-156 to win Eastern Conference, +154 to win NBA title) Last year: 47-35 – Even with the minor injuries to Dwayne Wade and LeBron James in the preseason, this is still the team to beat in the East. There is just too much talent to disagree with. The value to win the Eastern Conference isn’t great, but this is a team to bet on. Prediction: 66-16, 1st in conference.
Orlando Magic (+499 to win Eastern Conference, +1230 to win NBA title) Last Year: 59-23 – Dwight Howard has shown a lot of improvement in his offense during the preseason. If he gets that down, the Magic might have enough to take down the Heat. The Magic also need more consistent play from Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis. This is one of the deeper teams in the East, and offer good value given their recent playoff experience. Prediction: 58-24, 2nd in conference.
Chicago Bulls (+850 to win Eastern Conference, +1748 to win NBA title) Last Year: 41-41– With all of the offseason moves, most notably signing Carlos Boozer, the Bulls will take a big step this season. Derrick Rose is improving with each season and this team has a great combination of size and speed. Will be a threat in the playoffs and offer great value. Prediction: 50-32, 3rd in conference.
Boston Celtics (+500 to win Eastern Conference, +1154 to win NBA Title) Last year: 50-32- Surprised everyone by reaching the Finals last year after a lackluster season. Now have great depth down low, causing matchup problems for Miami and Orlando. Should have another solid regular season and always a team to watch in the playoffs. Prediction: 47-35, 4th in conference.
Atlanta Hawks (+2608 to win Eastern Conference, +6072 to win NBA title) Last Year: 53-29- The Hawks didn’t get much better in the offseason while many of the other teams in the Eastern Conference improved significantly. Proved last year that they couldn’t get by the second round and there is no reason to think they will this year. Still, this team is good for at least 45 wins and is a great long shot bet. Prediction: 47-35, 5th in conference.
Milwaukee Bucks (+2500 to win Eastern Conference, +5855 to win NBA title) Last Year: 46-36– The Bucks were able to add a few more pieces in the offseason (Corey Maggette and Drew Gooden) and should make the playoffs again this season. There are still some health concerns with big man Andrew Bogut, but if he is health this team could make some noise. Prediction: 42-40, 6th in division.
New Jersey Nets (+5000 to win Eastern Conference, +10041 to win NBA Title) Last Year: 12-70. Quietly got a lot better this offseason. There is a bit of a drop off after the top five or six teams, so expect the Nets to be contending for the final two playoff spots. Prediction: 39-43, 7th in conference.
Washington Wizards (+5734 to win Eastern Conference, +11713 to win NBA title) Last Year:26-56- Had tons of problems last year, but John Wall will help turn the ship around. Getting Gilbert Arneas back is a big boost too, and Andray Blatche is another great young player. Prediction: 38-44, 8th in conference.
Detroit Pistons (+7500 to win Eastern Conference, +16431 to win NBA title) Last Year: 27-55– Seemed like everybody got hurt last year. If healthy, this team can sneak into the playoffs. And who knows, maybe Tracy McGrady will be a bigger impact than people think. Prediction:37-45, 9th in conference.
Philadelphia 76ers (+7500 to win Eastern Conference, +16131 to win NBA Title) Last Year: 27-55– This team is full of young players will potential. If Elton Brand can finally stay health for a year, this could be a dark horse team. Look for them to emerge in the next two to three years. Prediction: 36-46, 10th in conference.
Charlotte Bobcats (+6255 to win Eastern Conference, +15969 to win NBA title) Last Year: 44-38– Losing Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton will hurt more than people think. Still should be in the hunt for final two playoff spots. Prediction: 35-47, 11th in conference.
New York Knicks (+2800 to win Eastern Conference, +6252 to win NBA Title) Last Year: 29-53- The Knicks will be better than last year, but not by much. Amare Stoudemire is good, but can’t create enough on his own. Prediction: 32-50, 12th in conference.
Cleveland Cavaliers (+10000 to win Eastern Conference, +25673 to win NBA title) Last Year: 61-21– Can’t help but feel bad for this team. After the LeBreak-up, the Cavs are destined for the lottery. Prediction: 32-50, 13th in conference.
Indiana Pacers (+9500 to win Eastern Conference, + 20538 to win NBA title) Last Year: 32-50– Danny Granger is a solid player and Darren Collison is an exciting young player to lead the team. Still missing a lot of pieces. Prediction: 28-54, 14th in conference.
Toronto Raptors (+12000 to win Eastern Conference, +30245 to win NBA Title) Last Year: 40-42– Lost two of their best players and weren’t even a playoff team with them. Prediction: 20-62, 15th in conference.
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