Betfair Official Blog

NBA Betting - Season heralds giant betting opportunity

The big men of the NBA return to the hardwood courts of North America later this month and all the signs for those betting on the season's outcome suggest it's going to be another squeaker.

The defending champion San Antonio Spurs begin their 82-game regular season schedule knowing that they will be favourites in the betting for the Midwestern Division and Western Conference titles.

The Midwest might be the toughest division in the NBA with New Orleans Hornets joining the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets as contenders to upset the odds.

You can bet the Mavericks are going to start the season fired up and primed to avenge their embarrassing first round exit in the 2007 NBA Playoffs.

For those betting on the Pacific Division, Elton Brand's long-term injury is a major blow to the Clippers who could struggle in the forward position until his return.

But Lakers star Kobe Bryant remains a scoring threat all over the court and fans from the city of Los Angeles are betting on the former MVP to carry their team deep into the Playoffs.
Pheonix, led by Steve Nash, are expected to dominate the Pacific standings and the odds suggest The Suns are set for NBA success again.

The Denver Nuggets could mount a stronger challenge in the Northwest than last season, as you can bet that Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony won't take long to find the missing court chemistry.
But don't discount Utah Jazz from the betting because rookie guard Morris Almond should make them a tough nut to crack.

Over in the Eastern Conference, The Detroit Pistons should be even better bet than they were last season, despite the loss of Chris Webber.

The Pistons' renewed bench, where several young prospects look ready to step up - including 2007 NBA Draft Day steal Rodney Stuckey - could further stack the odds against their rivals.

The Chicago Bulls are likely to attract support in the betting for the Central Division title after a strong season last term, with young stars Luol Deng and Ben Gordon spearheading their challenge.

The Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors ought to make the Atlantic division an exciting race to the wire, but neither appears to be a good bet to make an impact in the Playoffs with aging and injury-prone squads.

Shaquille O'Neal is another player whose fitness will govern his side's chances of NBA success and the odds could be against the Miami Heat in the Southeast if he breaks down this year.