Gambling 2014 NBA Futures?
The San Antonio Spurs won the NBA title not that long ago, but those tickets have been cashed, and it is time for the alert bettor to look ahead. With lines already out for the 2015 title and with only baseball on the board, there’s no better time to break down those odds. [ad-4468020]
Odds provided by Bovada
Here are five teams worthy of a closer look, and a dark horse play that could offer some tremendous value:
Oklahoma City Thunder 6/1
In an offseason that is likely to feature plenty of big players changing addresses, the Thunder are a team that likely won’t experience much in the way of transition. The team’s roster is largely set, and that’s going to give them an edge in the early part of the season, which could mean an edge in the form of home court advantage come playoff time.
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The pieces are already there. Now it’s time for Kevin Durant to figure out how to take this team to the next level.
Chicago Bulls 12/1
The Eastern Conference is so top-heavy right now that even a slight misstep from the Heat is going to open the door for someone, and that team could be the Bulls. Tom Thibodeau has done a lot with what he’s had to work with the last few years, but it looks like this will be the year he finally gets the horses to compete. Carlos Boozer looks all but certain to be moved, and Derrick Rose looks like he’ll be ready to go for training camp.
Houston Rockets 16/1
The Rockets need to do a better job of adjusting their style of play to postseason action, but other than that, the team already has everything in place for a title run. The tandem of James Harden and Dwight Howard can go head-to-head with any other duo in the league, and smart decisions in the front office will afford the team to make a run at a big name this offseason, which would just make them that much more scary an opponent.
Memphis Grizzlies 33/1
The time for sleeping on the Grizzlies has passed. Teams have been too quick to get away from the idea that a pair of dominant big men can carry a team, because it has been working just fine for the Grizzlies. The team dealt with some injuries last season, but Marc Gasol is already practicing without a brace, and the team should be able to count on the front office to help cover up some other glaring deficiencies.
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Los Angeles Lakers 40/1
The Lakers are never a team to write off. Pau Gasol’s likely gone, but that just means extra cash to bring in a more worthy replacement. And Kobe Bryant will be back. With Tim Duncan just matching the Mamba with five rings, Kobe will surely be extra-motivated to get back on top of that race.
Sacramento Kings 150/1
It’s easy to forget just how much talent the Kings have on their roster given how much losing they’ve been doing in recent years. If the team can add a big man that’s ready to go like Julius Randle and put him alongside a focused and motivated DeMarcus Cousins, watch out.
Here’s the full list of odds for the 2015 NBA title:
Odds to win 2015 NBA Championship
- Miami Heat 3/1
- Oklahoma City Thunder 6/1
- San Antonio Spurs 6/1
- Los Angeles Clippers 9/1
- Chicago Bulls 12/1
- Indiana Pacers 12/1
- Houston Rockets 16/1
- Golden State Warriors 25/1
- Portland Trailblazers 25/1
- Brooklyn Nets 28/1
- Cleveland Cavaliers 33/1
- Dallas Mavericks 33/1
- Memphis Grizzlies 33/1
- Washington Wizards 33/1
- Los Angeles Lakers 40/1
- New York Knicks 40/1
- Toronto Raptors 40/1
- Boston Celtics 50/1
- Denver Nuggets 50/1
- Detroit Pistons 50/1
- New Orleans Pelicans 50/1
- Minnesota Timberwolves 66/1
- Atlanta Hawks 75/1
- Charlotte Hornets 75/1
- Phoenix Suns 75/1
- Orlando Magic 150/1
- Sacramento Kings 150/1
- Utah Jazz 150/1
- Milwaukee Bucks 200/1
- Philadelphia 76ers 200/1
