We took a look at the Eastern conference odds in a prior article now lets look at the West.  All odds according to Pinnacle Sportsbook, although other places like Bodog offer online NBA betting on these props as well.

Los Angeles Lakers (-101 to win Western Conference, +251 to win NBA title) Last Year: 57-25– They’ve made the Finals the last three seasons, winning the last two. The Lakers quietly got better in the offseason, adding to Steve Blake and Matt Barnes to their bench. Kobe Bryant is recovering from an injury-plagued season, but there is no reason to expect a drop off. Prediction: 58-24, 1^st in conference.

Oklahoma City Thunder (+525 to win Western Conference, +1361 to win NBA title) Last Year: 50-32 – The Thunder are for real. Kevin Durant is one of the league’s best and has a great sidekick in Russell Westbrook. Still aren’t great down low, but rookie Cole Aldrich should help.  Prediction: 56-26, 2^nd in conference.

Portland Trailblazers (+1183 to win Western Conference, +2740 to win NBA title) Last Year: 50-32- If we learned anything from this team last year it’s that they have a great bench. How else can a team sustain so many injuries and still rack up 50 wins? As long as the starters stay relatively healthy, this team will contend for the title. Prediction: 54-28, 3rd in conference.

Dallas Mavericks (+777 to win Western Conference, +2056 to win NBA title) Last Year: 55-27- This could be the last shot for the Mavericks at a title in the foreseeable future. Dallas has a great starting five, led by Dirk Nowitzki, and two good defensive centers in Tyson Chandler and Brendan Haywood that can defend the Lakers bigs. Dallas offers pretty good value. Prediction: 54-28, 4th in conference.

Utah Jazz (+1461 to win Western Conference, +3212 to win NBA title) Last Year: 53-29­­- The success of this team hinges on how well Al Jefferson adjusts to the new system.  If Deron Williams and Jefferson develop a special chemistry, then the Jazz will be one of the league’s best teams. The Jazz offer great value and are worth a look. Prediction: 54-28, 5^th in conference.

Denver Nuggets (+1045 to win Western Conference, +2680 to win NBA title) Last year: 53-29- A ton of talent, but just as much uncertainty. If the Nuggets aren’t playing at an exceptional level, will Carmelo Anthony get traded? If he doesn’t, the Nuggets will be in the neighborhood of 50 wins yet again. Prediction: 49-33, 6^th in conference.

San Antonio Spurs (+1268 to win Western Conference, +3158 to win NBA title) Last Year: 50-32- This team is full of playoff experience. Age is starting to be a concern as the window for another title is closing, but expect another solid season from the Spurs. Prediction: 48-34, 7^th in conference.

Houston Rockets (+1900 to win Western Conference, +4787 to win NBA title) Last Year: 40-42- With Yao back and Kevin Martin in town for the full season, this team could surprise people. When Yao’s at his best he is one of the best centers in the game. A playoff spot will be determined by his health. The Rockets offer good long shot value. Prediction: 48-34, 8^th in conference.

Phoenix Suns (+2005 to win Western Conference, +5440 to win NBA title) Last Year: 54-28- Still a very good team, but won’t be the same without Amare Stoudemire. Steve Nash doesn’t show any signs of slowing down given his age, but the Suns lack size. Could very well make the playoffs as one of the final spots. Prediction: 47-35, 9^th in conference.

New Orleans Hornets (+4635 to win Western Conference, +12063 to win NBA title) Last Year:37-45– A fairly average team here. Chris Paul can carry this team to 35 or 40 wins, but probably not much else. Prediction: 40-42, 10^th in conference.

Memphis Grizzlies (+4635 to win Western Conference, .+12063 to win NBA title) Last Year: 40-42- It seemed like everything went too well last year when the Grizzlies won about 15 more games than expected. Memphis has a very solid starting five, but still lacks a bench. Prediction: 38-44, 11^th in conference.

Los Angeles Clippers (+5267 to win Western Conference, +14127 to win NBA title) Last Year: 29-53– Getting Blake Griffin back will mean that these team will be better than last year. Still have plenty of areas that can be improved, but Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon are two young players to be excited about. Prediction: 35-47, 12^th in conference.

Sacramento Kings (+8846 to win Western Conference, +27162 to win NBA title) Last Year: 25-57– Tyreke Evans had one of the best rookie seasons in history and now the Kings have another great rookie in DeMarcus Cousins. Will be slightly better than last year, but still a few years away contention. Prediction: 28-54.

Minnesota Timberwolves (+10310 to win Western Conference, +32057 to win NBA title) Last year: 15-67. Have few bright spots and will be fortunate to get more than 20 wins. Prediction: 18-64.

Overall: Even though the East keeps getting better, the West is still the superior conference. Everyone from the Lakers to the Suns have a shot at the title. The Lakers, Thunder, Trail Blazers,  and Mavericks are probably the best bets.

Remember that you can get winning NBA picks from the best basketball handicappers out there.  Also our NBA odds page will feature live point spreads on all the NBA betting action the entire season, a must have tool for NBA bettors this season.