NBA Preview: The East/West half-way update

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 16 February 2010 / Leave a Comment

LeBron's scintillating form has made Cleveland title contenders again

"There are huge problems in Boston and a source close to the team says Ray Allen wants to be traded. I will be amazed if they team win the title."

The long and grueling NBA season continues this week after a spectacular All-Star weekend in Texas. Now that we have passed the halfway point of the year it is time to look ahead and assess the chances of the teams most likely to win the title.

　
Eastern Conference

Cleveland Cavaliers [3.6]
The Cavaliers start the push for the post-season in tremendous form. They are on a 13 game winning streak and are playing the best basketball in the East. The Cavs are almost certain to make it to the Conference finals, but in truth this price is a little thin.

Orlando Magic [12.5]
The Magic are by default the second best team in the Conference. I do not think they are playing at the same level as last year and must do something to strengthen their bench in a hurry. If Orlando does not make a trade quickly, they will struggle against Cleveland if they meet in the play-offs.

Atlanta Hawks [38.0]
This Hawks are very much in the running in the East and they continue to surprise. I think they have a realistic chance of finishing second in the Conference and avoiding Cleveland in the early rounds of the play-offs. At the current price they are well worth an interest.

Boston Celtics [10.5]
Having backed the Celtics at much shorter for the title I am shocked by their decline. I hardly recognize this rotation after a string of losses and poor efforts against modest opposition. There are huge problems in Boston and a source close to the team tells me that Ray Allen wants to be traded. I will be amazed if they win the title.

Toronto Raptors [70.0]
Chris Bosh showed the world what a quality player he is at the All-Star game last weekend. Bosh has dragged the Raptors in to play-off contention and they are playing like a team that believes in themselves. This is a generous price for this much improved team.
　
Western Conference

Los Angeles Lakers [3.25]
The Lakers have a [5.5] game lead in the West and remain the team to beat. But they're still not playing as well as they can. They have the deepest rotation in basketball and will be formidable in the post-season. Coach Phil Jackson knows which buttons to push to motivate this talented team.
　
Denver Nuggets [14.0]
The Nuggets are the most entertaining team in the league but they are very weak behind the ball. If they defend a little better they will be one of the teams to beat. The current price is a little short.

Dallas Mavericks [27.0]
I've really been impressed with this team this season. Center Dirk Nowitzki is playing some of his best basketball and they have a real chance in the West. I backed them at [30.0] earlier in the year and I will be stepping in again.

San Antonio Spurs [24.0]
The Spurs are a veteran team and will probably make the playoffs. I do not think they are anywhere near the team they used to be and this price is ridiculously short.
　
Utah Jazz [46.0]
The Jazz are on fire at the moment and should make the post-season. They are a young team that could make an impression in the play-offs. I think the current price on offer is more than fair.

　
Recommended Bets:

NBA Championship - Back Atlanta at [38.0], back Dallas at [27.0]