Kobe and the Lakers are Maddux's choice to the win the Pacific and the NBA ChampionshipTraining camps have begun and tip-off is less than a week away, so it’s time to preview the upcoming NBA season. With all the movement in the offseason it is likely that some new teams will rise to the tops of their divisions. Let’s take a look at the Pacific Division. – All odds according to Pinnacle Sportsbook, although other places like Bodog offer online NBA betting on these props as well.
Team USA are currently 15 point favorites while Turkey is favored by 6USA (7-0) vs Lithuania (7-0) – WOW. Though I did say Lithuania was better than the 40/1 odds against them to start this tournament, I cannot say that I anticipated them doing this. They just clobbered Argentina, who was a favorite to win this tournament in the eyes of many, and Linas Kleiza is the sole reason why. He showed years ago in Denver that he has the ability to shoot lights out and sometimes take over games coming off the bench, but in this FIBA tournament he has shined as a starter. Through 7 games he is averaging 19 ppg and also leading the Lithuanians in rebounds, as well. It is always strange how seemingly average NBA players take over these tournaments, and Linas has just been one of many to do it.