NBA Odds – Central Division Preview
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The online betting choices for the NBA’s Central Division should really just be whittled down to one team, as Cleveland is head and shoulders above the rest of the division, even without the pickups they made in the offseason. Can anyone stop, or at least slow down, the reign of “King” James?
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Odds To Win Central Division: -2000
Odds To Win 2009 NBA Championship: +300
After finishing last year as the best team in the regular season, the Cavaliers were beaten by Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals despite the heroics of LeBron James, the reigning NBA MVP. The Cavs brought in some help for James in the form of Shaquille O’Neal, Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon, and it’ll be interesting to see how the Cleveland offense works O’Neal into the mix, while Parker and Moon add defense at the small-forward position. But the pressure is on Mo Williams, who was a replacement All-Star last year. He struggled in the playoffs after being brought over to be a secondary option to James, and he shrank at the biggest time of the year.
CHICAGO BULLS
Odds To Win Central Division: +1000
Odds To Win 2009 NBA Championship: +7500
The “Baby Bulls” almost pulled off one of the biggest online betting upsets of the year in their classic first-round series with Boston, but now Chicago has to prove they can build on that. Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose is now the star of the show that Ben Gordon is gone to Detroit, and his ability to penetrate opens up the floor for everyone. John Salmons will be asked to fill some of the scoring void, but the Bulls will have to tighten up on defense as they were 21st in points allowed, a sign of their inexperience. If they do that, the Bulls could be one of the trendier sleeper sports picks of the year.
DETROIT PISTONS
Odds To Win Central Division: +1000
Odds To Win 2009 NBA Championship: +7500
The Pistons stayed in their division to reload for this year, grabbing Gordon and Charlie Villeneuva, who was in Milwaukee last year. Detroit was a disaster after trading Chauncey Billups to Denver for Allen Iverson, which turned out to be a salary dump in preparation for this year’s prized free-agent class. Iverson’s exit now means Rodney Stuckey is the No.1 point, but the Pistons have a dilemma at the two-spot, where UConn alums Gordon and Rip Hamilton will battle it out. The Pistons also have to see if Tayshaun Prince can return to being a top-notch defender. Maybe the return of old buddy Ben Wallace behind him will spark the lanky forward.
INDIANA PACERS
Odds To Win Central Division: +4000
Odds To Win 2009 NBA Championship: +10000
Surprisingly, the Pacers were fifth in the NBA last year in points scored, powered by Danny Granger, who came out of nowhere to become one of the best pure scorers out there. Mike Dunleavy was great when he was healthy, which didn’t happen very often as he played just 18 games, and T.J. Ford flourished. The bench takes a bit of a hit as Jarrett Jack left for Toronto, but that could mean more time for Brandon Rush. That’s good for the future, but it’s not good for Indiana’s sportsbook chances.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Odds To Win Central Division: +5000
Odds To Win 2009 NBA Championship: +10000
The Bucks look destined to land in the Central basement again, as the roster looks terrible. Michael Redd is still there, and Andrew Bogut is a solid double-double threat, but outside of Carlos Delfino there isn’t anyone else on the roster that looks like they could average over 10 points this season. The only thing to watch for his how rookie point guard Brandon Jennings adapts to the league after spending a year in Europe.
2009 Central Division Pick
The real race here is for second, as Detroit re-upped to challenge Chicago, which could rejuvenate this once-bitter rivalry. Indiana and Milwaukee will battle to stay out of the cellar, which leaves the throne wide open for Cleveland to take its place again. The Cavs will be trying to prove to James, the big prize of the free agent class, that his future rests in his hometown, and the additions of O’Neal and company gives the Cavs too much depth to be overcome in the Central. Take Cleveland’s NBA betting odds this year.
One reply on “NBA Central Division Odds | Preview”
The Cavaliers will win this divsion going away as there is no other team that is even close to their talent level. They already have their sites on getting by Orlando and especially Boston in the Eastern Conference.