NBA Betting: A close look at the key Championship contenders

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 08 April 2009 / Leave a Comment

With the play-offs starting next week, Nick Shiambouros assesses the main contenders for the NBA championship and asks if their prices are justified.

The Los Angeles Lakers: Current price [2.92]

The Lakers deserve to be favourites for the championship but this price is far too short. They may have the deepest bench in basketball and they will have home court advantage in the Western Conference but that doesn't justify such a short price when they may have to meet dangerous teams such as Portland and Utah in the early rounds. They will trade bigger so my advice is to wait.

The Cleveland Cavaliers: Current price [3.9]

This price is just about right. At the moment the Cavaliers hold a one game advantage over Los Angeles for the best record in the NBA .If they manage to end the season with this record they will have home court advantage throughout the play-offs including the finals. This would be a huge advantage for the Cavaliers who have only lost one game at home all year. This team has exceeded my expectations this year but with LeBron James around anything is possible.

The Boston Celtics: Current Price [5.4]

I have already backed this team to win the championship at much lower prices. The champions will not relinquish their title easily but the health of Kevin Garnett remains a concern. They have probably the best outside shooter in the league in Ray Allen and Paul Pierce is a fierce competitor. They will make it to the Conference final at the very least and they will trade shorter than this price. Coach Doc Rivers will make sure his team is focused and ready as they prepare to defend their NBA title.

Orlando Magic: Current price [13.5]

The Magic have had a fantastic season and they will be tough in the play-offs. One of the main reasons for their success has been the improved play of Dwight Howard. This young man has averaged just over 21 points per game and his confidence will be sky high going in to the play-offs. The Magic will get the acid test if they meet Boston or Cleveland in the later rounds and, while they lack a deep enough roster to beat either team, they should give a good account of themselves.

San Antonio Spurs: Current price [38.0]

This price is way too big. The Spurs are always tough to beat in the post-season and I believe they will make it to the Conference final. Tim Duncan is a player with extensive play-off experience and he will have plenty of help from Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Coach Gregg Popovich has the respect of the whole team and they will be very well prepared to meet the likes of the Lakers. I think the Spurs will trade shorter than the current price so the [38.0] on offer is a bargain.

Denver Nuggets: Current price [34.0]

The Nuggets have had a good season mainly due to the arrival of point guard Chauncey Billups from Detroit. As a result they have defended a little better and shown a little more intensity on the floor. But I am still not enitrely convinced. Carmelo Anthony has had issues with head coach George Carl and I think this has affected team chemistry. Many experts are tipping Denver to go deep in to the play-offs but I am taking a firm stance against.

Recommendations:

Back San Antonio to win the NBA championship at [38.0]